The City of Cape Town says the deadly fire in Khayelitsha which has claimed at least one life is partially under control. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says their earlier estimation of one-thousand shacks destroyed was too high due to the thick smoke that blankets the area.
It is now estimated that between 400 and 500 shacks have been destroyed. Smith says firefighters will remain on scene for a considerable amount of time.
“The fire in Khayelitsha is almost under control and in some areas the fire staff have started to damp down. The initial estimates may have been high because of the wind and the smoke. They are now estimated that between 400 and 500 structures would have been affected. This will still have to be confirmed and a final count done. There is one confirmed death and rumours of additional ones. SAPS have been informed.”
