One person was treated for smoke inhalation after a fire swept through the Masinenge informal settlement near Margate. The blaze destroyed 208 shacks.

The fire destroyed 208 shacks at the Masinenge informal settlement in KwaZulu-Natal. The South Coast Herald and the Emergency and Disaster Information Service reported on the incident.

The South Coast Herald published its report on 17 October 2026. It said the fire began near Margate on the evening of 16 October.

According to the report, one person suffered smoke inhalation. Emergency Rescue Medical Services treated the person and transported them to hospital for further care.

Emergency services contain the fire

Firefighters extinguished the blaze and stopped it from spreading to nearby structures. The response included the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Fire Department, Ugu Fire Services, the South African Police Service and emergency medical personnel.

Meanwhile, Margate police are investigating the cause of the fire. Authorities had not announced a cause when this article was prepared.

Relief promised for affected families

The Emergency and Disaster Information Service also reported on the provincial response. KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the provincial government would provide emergency shelter, food, blankets and other essential supplies.

In addition, Port Shepstone Business Forum executive member Fathima Moosa said local volunteers were helping affected families. She appealed for donations and directed people wishing to help to the Ugu Disaster Management Centre on 039 688 5704.

The number of displaced people is not yet confirmed

However, the destruction of 208 shacks does not establish the number of people displaced. Officials had not yet published a verified total for affected residents.

The fire is likely to place immediate pressure on shelter, food supplies and transport. Families may also need to replace identity documents and other possessions. For now, no official estimate of the financial damage is available.

This article will be updated if authorities release the number of displaced residents, the cause of the fire or additional relief information.

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