More than 100 people have been left homeless after a devastating fire tore through an informal settlement in Durban, destroying over 70 homes and leaving families with almost nothing.
The blaze broke out in the Forman Road Extension Informal Settlement in Ward 25 on Sunday, 28 September 2026. While no fatalities were reported, two residents suffered injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.
The disaster has left many families without shelter, clothing, school supplies and important personal documents.
More Than 70 Structures Destroyed
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the fire spread rapidly through the informal settlement.
According to reports, more than 74 informal dwellings and structures were destroyed in the blaze.
Firefighters faced difficult conditions as they worked to contain the flames. Narrow pathways and steep terrain made access challenging, but emergency teams managed to stop the fire from spreading further.
Residents fled to safety as the flames swept through the settlement.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Senzo Mzila confirmed that authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
“eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services responded to a severe blaze at the Forman Road Extension Informal Settlement in Ward 25. Despite difficult access and the steep terrain, our firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent further spread. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we urge all residents to remain vigilant and adhere to basic fire safety measures.”
Fire and Emergency Services successfully contained the blaze before extinguishing remaining hotspots.
Police and municipal officials will now investigate what caused the inferno.
Families Lose Everything
For many residents, the fire destroyed far more than their homes.
Families reported losing clothing, furniture, identity documents, money and educational materials.
One resident described the frightening moments when the fire erupted.
“I just saw a huge fire, and we ran out of the houses. We didn’t get time to take anything. My children’s clothes, shoes, school uniforms and textbooks went up in flames. They are writing exams, and I don’t know what to do because my ID and money were inside the house.”
The loss of school uniforms and textbooks comes at a particularly difficult time for learners preparing for upcoming examinations.
Residents Raise Housing Concerns
Another resident said the fire destroyed years of savings while highlighting ongoing frustrations over housing allocations.
“We always bear the brunt of these flames. The housing allocation process is going at a snail’s pace. They’ve built houses across the road, but we haven’t been given any.”
The disaster has once again placed the spotlight on housing challenges facing many informal settlement residents.
Community members say access to safer housing could reduce the risk of repeated tragedies.
Calls for Greater Fire Safety Awareness
The incident has renewed calls for greater fire safety awareness and improved disaster preparedness within informal settlements.
Community leaders and residents have stressed the importance of fire prevention education, particularly among younger people.
Authorities have encouraged residents to follow fire safety measures and report potential hazards before they develop into emergencies.
Community Faces Long Road to Recovery
Although no lives were lost, the impact of the fire will be felt for months.
Many families now face the challenge of replacing essential possessions and rebuilding their lives.
The municipality, government departments and civil society organisations are expected to assist affected residents as recovery efforts continue.
For the people of Ward 25, the focus now shifts from survival to rebuilding after a disaster that changed hundreds of lives in a matter of hours.