Story by Vivian Bangamu
More than 1 500 homes have been destroyed and over 400 families have been left homeless after a fire broke out in Johannesburg’s Booysens Informal settlement this Tuesday.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Xolile Khumalo is urging residents to be cautious, as the ground is still hot, although the fire has been extinguished.
Authorities say the cause of the fire is still unknown, but residents believe the blaze was caused by a paraffin stove which exploded.
Non-governmental organisations are on the ground assisting the victims with blankets and mattresses, while disaster management teams will also distribute food parcels and other essentials to victims.
