MORE than 80 families were displaced after a fire burnt down their homes at the Coedmore Road informal settlement near Yellowwood Park on Wednesday, July 29.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established, however a resident, Nkosinathi Mbanjwa, alleged that a candle was left unattended in one of the houses, fell over and caused the fire to spread to nearby homes.

Mbanjwa said the affected families are being accommodated at other homes within the informal settlement.

Also read: Montclair CPF share school holiday safety tips

“Young children and their mothers are stranded as some of them are struggling to get food for their babies. Baby food and other belongings were destroyed when the fire ravaged the informal settlement.

“The Gift of the Givers donated food parcels and blankets to the affected families,” said Mbanjwa.

There were no injuries reported.

Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert said the fire broke out at about 16:00 on July 29.

“A total of 48 shacks burnt down when the fire spread rapidly through the informal settlement. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident,” said Gilbert.

On July 31 Gilbert was due to meet the affected families to hand over blankets and other essential items.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.