PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - More than 36 people were left destitute after a fire ripped through Qolweni in Plettenberg Bay on Monday morning, 31 July.

Nolan Stuurman of Bitou Disaster Management confirmed that the fire broke out early in the morning and completely destroyed eight homes and damaged another three.

He said firefighters responded swiftly and managed to contain the fire at about 09:00, after which they proceeded with mop-up operations.

"It is estimated that about 36 people have been affected by the fire," Stuurman said.

As a precautionary measure, the municipality's electrical team switched off the electricity to the area for a period as some electrical infrastructure was also damaged in the fire. 

Stuurman stated that the municipality would assist the affected families with basic relief. "This includes food parcels, blankets and mattresses."

Fires in the Qolweni community have become an annual occurrence during winter months when heating becomes an issue. 

Last year, more than 140 locals were left destitute after fires ravaged the community. The year before, more than 90 homes were destroyed in just a few days after two fires swept through the area. In 2021, one fire also claimed a life.

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