One person died after a fire broke out at the Malaika Informal Settlement, near Red Hill, in Ward 110, on Saturday evening.
About 60 informal homes were gutted by the blaze, displacing more than 70 residents.
The eThekwini Municipality’s emergency services said the fire started at around 23:30.
Bruce De Gier, Divisional Commander for the North Region at eThekwini Municipality’s Fire Services Directorate, said upon arrival, emergency personnel encountered intense flames spreading quickly through the densely populated settlement.
No other injuries were reported.
“Emergency teams conducted rapid assessments and coordinated the provision of immediate support to displaced households. Many residents have since sought temporary shelter with relatives, friends and neighbours, while ongoing assessments continue to determine further assistance required” he said.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and is under investigation.
Another fire at Malelane on Saturday morning, had no casualties, but authorities are concerned about fire safety in the area.
As a result, the Nkomazi Local Municipality urged residents to take necessary precautionary measures to prevent fires.
These include avoiding outdoor burning of grass, trash or veld fires, not leaving cooking, candles, heaters or open flames unattended.
The town also cautioned residents to keep flammable materials away from stoves and electrical appliances.
Picture: Supplied