More than 200 refugees have been displaced, and more than 50 structures were destroyed in a blaze that ravaged the Wingfield Tent City near Maitland on Thursday evening. 

Currently, all services are on scene where mop-up, operations, disaster risk management and humanitarian aid are being facilitated.

As the day unfolded in the aftermath of the disaster, the city’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) spokesperson, Sonica Lategan, confirmed that they have 211 persons registered as affected by the fire. 

“The city’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has registered 211 persons affected by the fire off Voortrekker Road yesterday. The marquee tent on site was destroyed, along with several other structures used as kitchens. SASSA has been informed to provide assistance. 

“Gift of the Givers assisted with immediate humanitarian relief needs last night. DRM has activated its mobile Joint Operations Centre on site. Assessments will continue today (Friday) to determine infrastructure damage and what repairs are required,” said Lategan.

Lategan confirmed the fire was extinguished at approximately 10pm. The city’s Solid Waste Department will be on-site this morning to clear the debris now that the ground has cooled down.

DRM spokesperson Charlotte Powell confirmed on Thursday evening that the structures on the perimeter of the site are intact.

“Persons who stayed in the fire-affected tents and structures have the option of returning to the perimeter structure or staying with friends or family off-site. DRM is also liaising with shelters and safe spaces to determine the availability of bed spaces as a third option.”

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. 

​Burundi national and mother of three, Fatima Rukundo, said she is devastated by the loss. 

“When the fire had erupted, my family and I were asleep. I was woken when somebody was shouting that there was a fire. When I got up and saw how big the flames were, I panicked. I did not know what to grab first.

“My children were so traumatised and scared. We slept opposite the road on the pavement last night. We lost everything. I am still worried about what will happen next. We lost a lot,” said Rukundo. 

Gift of the Givers spokesperson, Ali Sablay, said hot meals and bottled water were distributed throughout the evening. 

“Gift of the Givers teams were inundated with calls for assistance from community leaders, human rights activists, and fire victims following a devastating fire at Wingfield Tent City. The entire settlement has been completely destroyed, leaving hundreds of people homeless.

“Residents, who were recently served with eviction papers, have now lost all their belongings in the blaze. In response, Gift of the Givers has activated immediate humanitarian aid.

“Our teams will extend operations into the coming days to provide continued support to those affected,” said Sablay. 

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za

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