ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SWIFT EMERGENCY RESPONSE CONTAINS DEVASTATING QUARRY WEST INFORMAL SETTLEMENT FIRE
EThekwini Municipality’s Emergency Services teams swiftly responded to a large-scale fire that broke out at approximately 09h50 today, at the Quarry West Informal Settlement, in Ward 25, located in M19 near Reservoir Hills.
On arrival, emergency teams were met with an intense and rapidly spreading blaze, with dozens of informal structures already engulfed in flames.
Through a coordinated and determined response, fire teams acted quickly to contain the inferno and prevent further devastation.
The fire destroyed more than 100 informal structures, leaving nearly 200 people displaced.
Despite the scale of the disaster, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this stage, although indications suggest it may have been related to hot work activities within one of the structures.
Firefighters worked tirelessly, deploying multiple hose lines and establishing perimeter containment measures, successfully bringing the fire under control within a short period of time and halting its spread.
Humanitarian relief efforts are currently underway, with the Municipality’s Disaster Management teams on-site, working tirelessly to provide emergency shelter, aid, and support to affected families.
Assessments are ongoing to fully determine the extent of the damage and the needs of displaced residents.
Displaced families and fire victims are currently being temporarily housed in alternative shelters, where they are receiving essential humanitarian support, while the Municipality is attending to the matter.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
For emergencies, contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
