Update

KNYSNA NEWS - As previously reported, a devastating fire broke out yesterday afternoon in the informal settlement of Nekkies. Knysna Municipality has confirmed the incident and shared additional details regarding the emergency response and damage assessment.

According to Nwabisa Pondoyi, communications officer, the municipal control room received an emergency call at about 13:47 yesterday, reporting a structural fire near the Chris Hani Community Hall in the Nekkies area.

Three fire vehicles were dispatched to the scene, with the first arriving just six minutes later, at 13:53. "Upon arrival, firefighting crews discovered that three homes had already been consumed by the flames, while a fourth dwelling had just caught fire," she said.

Thanks to swift and co-ordinated action, firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the blaze in the fourth home, preventing it from spreading to additional structures. 

In total, four homes were affected: three were completely destroyed, while one sustained partial damage. "Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported," said Pondoyi.

An additional water tanker was called in from Infrastructure Services to support firefighting efforts, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply. Law enforcement officers were also deployed to assist affected families and maintain public safety. 

The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. No evacuations were necessary beyond the affected structures.

Further updates will follow if more information becomes available.

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