/ 19 October 2006

Cape Town fire leaves 300 families homeless

More than 300 families were left homeless on Thursday after fires ravaged an informal settlement in Fishhoek, Cape Town local disaster management said.

Spokesperson Craig Pillay said firefighters responded to a reported fire at Masiphulele township at about 2am.

”The fire department responded in 10 minutes and managed to put blazes under control.”

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire was unknown.

”We have contacted NGOs to assist the victims. The Red Cross would provide blankets and the Salvation Army would provide warm meals,” Pillay said.

He said the city council would provide shelter to the affected families. – Sapa