By: ANG Reporter
Following a ravaging fire that broke out in Grabouw area on Friday, Theewaterskloof Municipality has activated the Fire and Disaster Management Services of the Overberg District Municipality.
Five fire engines and crews from the Grabouw and Caledon fire station, that is contracted to provide firefighting efforts on behalf of the municipality would be dispatched.
Theewaterskloof Municipality municipal manager Manqoba Ngubo said the strong wind conditions resulted in the fire spreading to Gaffleys Transport Services after which the fire jumped across the road into the informal settlement area next to the Grabouw Water Treatment Works.
“As a result of the rapid spread of the fire, the mutual aid agreements were activated from the Overstrand Municipality and the City of Cape Town to assist with five additional fire engines and firefighters, bringing the total number of fire engines on-site to 10.”
“The initial assessments conducted indicates that approximately 50 informal structures were destroyed leaving approximately 200 people displaced.”
Ngubo said the municipality has also deployed officials to assess the damages to private houses along Ou Kaapse Weg and to assess whether any assistance would be required.
“In light of the inclement weather conditions, that is forecasted for this coming weekend, the Theewaterskloof Municipality has opened community halls in the area for emergency shelter for accommodation.”
Ngubo said the situation has since been brought under control and disaster relief support arrangements have been activated by the municipality.
He said the were no injuries or fatalities that have been reported and Theewaterskloof Municipality has established a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) that is managing the situation “and to ensure that the recovery efforts are coordinated”.
“At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown and an investigation will be launched.”
