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An emergency call was received at 13:28 on 5 March 2019 by the City’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) reporting a fire at Setswetla Informal Settlement in Alexandra, within 10 minutes the first fire engine arrived on the scene followed by four more fire engines.
Over 30 firefighters and other Disaster Management officials were on the scene to extinguish the fire and assist those affected.
Since yesterday, the City of Johannesburg has set up relief facilities to the families affected by the disastrous this fire in Setswetla Informal Settlement.
EMS and Disaster Management have established that over 100 households and close to 300 people, including children, were affected by the fire. A 26-year-old man and a fire fighter were injured during the fire incident and both were taken to hospital for medical attention.
Whilst there are reports that the fallen electricity pylon may have caused the fire, the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
A Venue Operation Centre (VOC) has been established on site for response and relief coordination. Blankets, disaster relief packs, hygiene packs and warm meals have been provided with the assistance by various NGOs and the Department of Social Development.
Temporary emergency shelters have been identified at disaster relief containers, Hlaisanani ECD and the Setswetla community hall, where the affected families have been placed and are receiving relief assistance.
I am deeply saddened by the damage that this fire has caused the families affected. I want to ensure residents that the City is doing all it can to make sure those affected are amply assisted.
We are committed to the safety of all residents of Johannesburg and that will always remain our top priority.
For media queries:
Chantelle Fourie-Shawe
Media Specialist: Office of the Executive Mayor
081 546 1014
chantellef@joburg.org.za
