Cape Town – Three people died in two separate fires – one in Dunoon on Tuesday and the other in Samora Machel on Wednesday.
The first incident was reported at 10.50pm where structures were on fire at Siyahlala Informal Settlement.
City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said the body of a man was discovered during mopping up operations.
“Crews from Milnerton, Atlantis, Goodwood, Brooklyn and Kraaifontein responded and managed to extinguish the blaze just after 1am. Several structures were destroyed and a number of residents were displaced. Sadly, firefighters found the body of a man while busy with mopping up operations,” he said.
In the second incident, a structure was reported alight in Jeff Masemola Road after midnight with people trapped inside.
Carelse said the bodies of a man and woman were discovered among the debris.
“A structure was on fire in Jeff Masemola Road, and people were trapped inside. Crews from Mitchells Plain and Gugulethu extinguished by 1.25am and the bodies of a man and woman were discovered among the debris,” Carelse said.
He said both scenes were handed over to police.
City of Cape Town mayco member for safety and security JP Smith has urged residents to report any fire they might witness.
“Very often, people will see smoke, but not do anything about it. Do not assume that someone else has called it in, unless you can see an emergency response in progress, or on scene. Rather err on the side of caution and report the incident.
”Quick, decisive action can go a long way in mitigating the extent and impact of a fire. And, the sooner our firefighters are able to extinguish a fire, the sooner we can free up resources for the next call that might come in. If we all keep fire safety top of mind at all times, we can go a long way to mitigating and reducing the risk of fire and its impact,” Smith said.
Cape Times