Fire destroyed 150 informal structures in Cape Town’s Langa township, displacing hundreds on December 26.

A devastating fire ripped through an informal settlement off Winnie Mandela Street in Langa, Cape Town, leaving 450 people homeless. The blaze began at 8:15 PM local time (6:15 PM GMT) on Thursday, requiring a massive emergency response to contain.

The City of Cape Town deployed 80 firefighters and 19 fire units to battle the inferno, which was finally extinguished at 2:30 AM on Friday.

“The fire area was divided into three divisions to maximise resources and mitigate further damages,” said Jermaine Carelse, Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson.

While no injuries were reported, preliminary assessments indicate approximately 150 structures were destroyed in the settlement.

Disaster Management will conduct formal assessments on Friday to determine exact casualties and damage. Aid organization Gift of the Givers has pledged immediate relief support for affected residents.

“The outcomes of the assessment will be submitted to Sassa and the National Department of Human Settlements for relief efforts,” said Sonica Lategan, Disaster Management spokesperson.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.