Fire razes at least 12 Sea Vista shacks to the ground today

Photos and story: By Bev Mortimer.

At least 12 shacks were razed to the ground this afternoon in the Zwelitsha squatter camp at Sea Vista.

Quick action by St Francis Bay volunteer fire crew, under the helm of Keith Donaldson, prevented more shacks being caught alight especially as there was a brisk wind.

The fire started around 3 pm and by 3.30 pm was already a raging frenzy, threatening to set the whole of the squatter camp alight before the fire crew arrived.

Some residents were hastily salvaging what they could from some of the nearby shacks.

Firemen working under the auspices of Kouga Municipality arrived and started  watering surrounding shacks and areas to prevent the flames spreading. Their quick, professional action had the fire under control in around 10 minutes.

No one could say for sure what had caused the fire though there were several paraffin lamps spotted in the charcoal debris.

Crowds of Sea Vista residents gathered on the scene to watch the proceedings . Thick black clouds of smoke filled the air and most bystanders had difficulty breathing and viewing at one stage.

It’s believed those residents whose shacks were totally destroyed will find shelter with neighbours. There was talk or hope of some of the homeless possibly being able to stay at the Sea Vista community hall.

Homeless people at the Community Hall had no food  last night after losing all their possession in the fire. After phoning around, community worker, Ann Knight, was delighted when Barron’s restaurant volunteered to cook food the the people. In  just half an hour Knight and her husband were able to pick up the food to feed the hungry! Knight wishes to express thanks for Barron’s for coming to the rescue!

Zwelitsha is an illegal squatter camp with more than 1000 shacks situated close together. The area is home to about 6000 squatters.