Firefighters were assaulted while battling a large fire in Site 5, Dunoon, on Friday 9 January, as crews worked under extremely challenging conditions to bring the blaze under control.
The fire broke out mid-morning and spread rapidly through the densely built informal settlement, fanned by strong south-easterly winds, before being successfully contained later in the day.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Services were alerted at 10:25 to reports of informal structures alight. Multiple firefighting resources were immediately dispatched, with operations coordinated by an Incident Management Team (IMT) Type 4.
ALSO READ: Strong winds fuel Dunoon fire as multiple informal structures burn
City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that public order policing resources had been called in after firefighters were attacked while attempting to contain the blaze.
One firefighter was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment for heat exhaustion.
Strong winds and dense layout hamper firefighting
Carelse said strong south-easterly winds and the dense layout of the informal settlement significantly complicated firefighting efforts. Helicopters were deployed to assist with water bombing as the fire continued to spread rapidly.
City Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the structural conditions in Site 5 made direct access extremely difficult.
“The dense structural layout of Site 5 in Dunoon has made it extremely difficult for firefighters to access a rapidly growing fire line,” Smith said.
“When the fire started earlier today, 14 appliances were immediately deployed.”
Smith explained that the materials commonly used in informal structures allow fires to spread quickly and make them nearly impossible to extinguish once fully engulfed.
“Our Firefighting Academy trains crews to get ahead of fires through direct attack, but the layout prevents appliances from accessing the immediate areas under threat,” he said.
Despite the challenges, crews implemented innovative tactics, including the use of an aerial appliance as a water tower, supported by drone-based thermal imaging to direct high-powered water streams into the advancing fire line. The City’s firefighting helicopter also dropped large volumes of water from above.
“Our top priority is protecting lives and property. We plead with communities to support firefighters and comply with their instructions during this difficult period,” Smith said.
Joint operations centre established as relief efforts begin
The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) has established an onsite joint operations centre in Dunoon to lead recovery efforts once the fire is fully extinguished.
DRMC spokesperson Charlotte Powell said officials are awaiting the all-clear from Fire and Rescue Services before conducting a formal assessment to determine the extent of the damage and the number of people affected.
“We have already alerted other City services to be on standby, as well as SASSA, the Provincial Department of Social Development and the National Department of Human Settlements,” Powell said.
The DRMC will also activate humanitarian relief partners to provide immediate soft relief to affected residents.
Donation drive launched to support affected residents
Residents and businesses wishing to assist those impacted by the fire are encouraged to support the City’s donation drive. Donation drop-off points have been established at the following fire stations, which are open 24 hours a day:
- Goodwood
- Roeland Street
- Lakeside
- Constantia
- Hout Bay
- Strand
- Wynberg
- Milnerton
The City is requesting donations of non-perishable food, personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, face cloths, sanitary towels), nappies and baby formula, as well as blankets and bedding.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre will facilitate the distribution of all donated items.
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