Caption: Displaced families gather near temporary shelters after a fire tore through Quarry West Informal Settlement in Durban.A devastating fire swept through the Quarry West Informal Settlement near Reservoir Hills in Durban on Thursday morning, destroying more than 100 homes and leaving nearly 200 people without shelter.According to the eThekwini Municipality, Emergency Services teams responded within minutes after the blaze broke out shortly before 10am. Firefighters arrived to find flames rapidly spreading through tightly packed structures, with residents scrambling to save belongings.
Through a coordinated effort, crews managed to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. Multiple hose lines were deployed as teams worked under pressure to bring the situation under control.Despite the scale of destruction, no injuries or fatalities were reported—an outcome officials have credited to the swift response and community cooperation.For many residents, however, the loss is deeply personal.
Families watched as their homes and possessions were reduced to ashes, with some left wearing only the clothes they had on.“I lost everything, but I’m grateful my children are safe,” said one resident.Disaster Management teams are now providing temporary shelter, food and basic necessities, while assessments continue. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
