In photos: Fire destroys numerous homes in Hout Bay

City reports two people died

Photo of fire in Imizamo Yethu

A large fire ravages Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay as seen from Ruyteplaats at about 10am on Saturday morning.

By Aletta Harrison

11 March 2017

Many homes have been destroyed after a fire broke out last night in Mandela Park in Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay. According to the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Theo Layne, two people died. Layne said that more than a dozen firefighting vehicles were sent to the fire and over 70 firefighters. By this morning the fire was still ongoing.

Update 6:50pm 12 March: The City of Cape Town reports that 3,500 “structures” were destroyed and 15,000 people are displaced.  

Update 5:20pm 11 March: The City reports nine fatalities in Cape Town fires in the past 24 hours: four in Wesbank, Kuilsriver, three in Kosovo, Philippi and two in this fire in Hout Bay.  

Update 3:35pm 11 March: HOW TO HELP: The City of Cape Town says donations, such as non-perishable food, baby formula milk and disposable nappies, can be dropped off at Hout Bay Fire Station. Disaster Management and Tula Tula Foundation will manage the donations.

A network of churches, The Warehouse, is also asking for assistance. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/TheWarehouseTrust/posts/10154940974011271

Update: 2:40pm 11 March: City’s Disaster Management is on the scene. South African Red Cross Society is providing humanitarian relief. Nearby community halls are being opened for emergency shelter.

Update 11:50am 11 March: The City reports 650 “structures” have been burnt. The fire is under control. 

A plume of dark smoke rises from Imizamo Yethu, which is built on the slope of a mountain.
Residents grabbed essential goods and escaped. Here a woman with a baby on her back, has her belongings next to her.
Residents grabbed televisions and other valuable goods and made their way down the hill away from the fire.
A woman stands with her dog and her belongings while carry a mattress and other goods down the mountain.
People carried their belongings in their hands and on their heads as they desperately sought to save their possessions.
Neighbouring Hout Bay residents have been helping.
Flames lick homes and power lines.