Two families have been left homeless after a fire destroyed their dwellings in an informal settlement in Mhlasini, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to urgent calls from residents who reported that a fire had broken out and was spreading rapidly between closely built structures.
According to a homeowner, he had briefly left his wood-and-iron shack to visit a nearby shop just a few metres away. When he returned, he was met with flames already consuming his home.
Strong winds and a lack of immediate access to water made it difficult for residents to control the blaze. Within minutes, the fire spread to a neighbouring dwelling, destroying it completely.
Despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries were reported. Community members attempted to salvage belongings, but most possessions were lost in the flames.
Firefighters later arrived on the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze, preventing further damage to nearby homes.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident as displaced families begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
