Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - More than 120 Bitou locals have been left destitute after a devastating fire ravaged the Bossiesgif community in Plettenberg Bay on Tuesday, 3 May.
This comes after more than 20 families were left destitute when a fire raged through the same community last month.
According to Bitou's disaster management section, the fire on Tuesday, which started at about 16:40, gutted at least 35 homes. A final tally was still being made by the time of going to print.
"There are no reported fatalities or persons with injuries or burns," said Bitou municipal spokesperson Andile Namntu.
Some of the families who lost their homes to the fire are being accommodated at the Bossiesgif Community Hall (Old Bicycle Shed).
A fire destroyed 35 homes and left 120 people destitute in Bossiesgif on 3 May, 2022.
"Through the assistance of volunteers, the families are currently being provided with hot meals. Other relief such as blankets and mattresses will be provided," said Namntu.
"Load-shedding, which has just kicked in, is not making matters easy but fortunately, a generator has been provided to make sure the families are assisted."
Namntu thanked all the volunteers and groups that played a role in assisting the affected families.
"Members of the public that want to donate essentials can do so by dropping off items at the drop-off shelter, which is at the corner of Marine and Seawitch streets."
Just a day earlier, on Monday 2 May, disaster was averted thanks to swift action by Bitou firefighters when a fire started in neighbouring Qolweni.
Namntu said this fire broke out at the Qolweni Circle in Ward 3 at about 18:45.
Two homes were gutted completely and a third was badly damaged.
"About four families are affected." He further said the Bitou fire services responded swiftly and "averted a bigger crisis".
"Members of the community also played a big role in ensuring the situation was swiftly brought under control." Last month the swift response of Bitou fire services also averted a bigger crisis.
Ten houses were gutted when a fire, which authorities believe could be attributed to arson, broke out just before 05:00 on 5 April. The local disaster management unit also provided assistance.
Previous article: Fire raging in Bossiesgif
A fire destroyed 35 homes and left more than 120 people destitute in Bossiesgif on Tuesday. Photos: Supplied
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