More than 140 people have been left without homes after a fire destroyed dozens of shacks at an informal settlement in Clare Hills, west of Durban.
The blaze broke out at Forman Road Extension in the early hours of Sunday morning, gutting 74 shacks.
eThekwini Municipality says two people were injured in the fire and are receiving treatment in hospital. No deaths or missing persons have been reported.
Firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 2am and were confronted by a rapidly spreading blaze.
City spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila says crews faced challenging conditions, including steep terrain, as they worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.
“Crews worked throughout the morning to bring the fire under control, preventing it from reaching additional structures and neighbouring sections of the settlement,” Mzila said.
The municipality’s Disaster Management Team is on site providing emergency humanitarian relief and support to families affected by the fire.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been established and remains under investigation.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and observe basic fire safety measures.