The Dunoon fire tore through the Site 5 informal settlement on Friday, 9 January leaving about 5,500 people without homes. Gift of the Givers said more than 1,000 dwellings were destroyed, while the City’s early indications put the damage at roughly 900 to 1,500 shacks. So far, the City has said there were no fatalities reported at the time officials visited the area on Saturday.

High Winds, Helicopters and a Tough Fight on the Ground

Fire crews battled in brutal conditions as strong south-easterly winds pushed flames across tightly packed structures. The City said the response eventually required two helicopters and more than 12 fire engines, with the blaze extinguished at around 19:00 on Friday. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion and City fire spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said public order police were deployed after firefighters were assaulted.

Relief Ramps Up with Food and Urgent Supplies

Gift of the Givers said its teams arrived while the fire was still active and supported firefighters with basics like water and energy supplies. The organisation said it fed 3,000 displaced residents and 220 emergency personnel on Friday night, then provided breakfast to 3,500 people on Saturday morning, with further meals planned. It also appealed for urgent donations, including building materials, clothing and hygiene items.

Registration, Donations and the Rebuild Question

The City’s Disaster Risk Management teams have been registering affected residents so lists can be submitted for government relief. It also called on the public to donate non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, nappies, baby formula, bedding and blankets at designated fire stations across Cape Town.

Longer-term, the City said it is ready to start emergency reblocking at Site 5, with R12 million allocated and contractors on standby. However, officials said access to parts of the site has been restricted by some community members and delays are linked to national policy requirements.