Shortly before 21h00, a fire broke out in the informal settlement of Langa. With 6 fire engines and another 6 water tankers despatched, the fire still spread rapidly.
Additional fire appliances from across the city, from various stations, have been despatched to assist.
Firefighters are battling the inferno but desperate residents took to cutting the main fire lines, in an attempt to gain access to water for them to try protecting their own shelters.
Enforcement services from across the city have been diverted, to assist and safeguard firefighters and their equipment.
The fire is not yet under control. It is unknown yet if any person has suffered injuries or how many shelters are affected. This is an active scene and information will be updated as new information becomes available.
01h30
All fires have been contained and extinguished. Our Fire & Rescue department will remain on scene throughout the night to respond to any possible flair ups.
The extent of the damage will be ascertained by our Disaster Managemrnt teams, beginning at first light.
