A FIRE early this morning gutted a slum house that had been invaded by tenants at 103 Thompson Road on The Bluff around 04:45 this morning (December 26).

Also read: Families, children displaced as fire ravages shacks near The Bluff

The fire left 29 people, 22 adults and seven children, homeless. A mother and her son were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. They were later discharged with medication. Two others were treated at the scene for minor burns.

Ward 66 Councillor Zoë Solomon said that these types of houses have long been a point of dispute within the community.

“The owners are supposed to provide security for an unoccupied house but it’s never enforced,” said Solomon.

It is also alleged that the owners of these houses charge people per head to stay in these houses without utilities.

While the reason behind the blaze has not yet been identified, Solomon said she took two mothers and six children to the Isaiah 54 Children’s Home.

“The home immediately came to the aid of the displaced residents to ensure that they had bathing facilities as well as food and clothing. All the individuals were given two changes of clothes and food parcels,” said Solomon.

She added that The Bluff representative for public participation was also assisting with additional food parcels and that she had documented all the affected occupants.

Community members and local organisations are stepping in to provide immediate relief. Solomon extended her thanks to the people who assisted, namely street captain for area, Melissa Welgemoed, Brighton Beach Victim Friendly, Medic Mike, paramedic Nic Holland from VRMS responders, RTL8 and Isaiah 54 Children’s Home.

The cause of the fire is under further investigation.

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