Shack fires claim over 100 lives in 2005.

31 Dec, 2005

More than 100 people died in shack fires in Cape Towns crowded informal settlements in 2005, according to the communications division of the city council. Over 8,000 shacks are thought to have been destroyed in nearly 2,000 separate incidents across the city, leaving an estimated 28,800 people destitute. The same source put the total cost of providing relief to the victims, including rebuilding starter kits, blankets and food, at over 13 million rand. The City of Cape Town has launched a campaign to raise awareness among residents and visitors about the dangers of fires; safety pamphlets have been distributed in slum areas and fire crews have visited the settlements to familiarise themselves with the areas and to educate inhabitants on safety.