eThekwini fire officials are urging residents to exercise caution with open flames following a blaze that destroyed 10 homes at the Dunbar Road informal settlement in Wiggins.
Several families were displaced after the fire broke out on Saturday night. Firefighters were called to the area after reports that several structures were already well alight.
Divisional Commander Zwelethu Thusi said emergency crews managed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding structures.
Ten homes were destroyed in the fire.
Thusi said no injuries or missing persons were reported. Six people were identified as being displaced after seeking shelter with neighbours and relatives.
“The fire brigade managed to find six displaced persons who had stated that they sought shelter with neighbours and relatives,” Thusi said.
Ward councillor Mngadi, as well as members of the South African Police Service and Metro Police, were also at the scene.
Following the incident, the eThekwini Fire Department has urged residents to take basic precautions when using candles, stoves and other sources of open flames.
Officials warned that leaving flames unattended can quickly lead to devastating fires, particularly in densely populated informal settlements where homes are often built close together.
Thusi said practising basic fire safety measures could help prevent similar incidents, protect property and ultimately save lives.