The article “City steps in to help after devastating shack fire” (Daily News, Thursday, November 5) refers.

Informal settlements are extremely vulnerable to incidents of accidental fire which wreak havoc and destruction in the confined and congested space of the residents.

eThekwini Municipality’s Disaster Management – along with many NGOs and welfare organisations – are to be commended for their prompt response and provision of food and relief supplies in such circumstances.

Preventative measures against fire incidents at these settlements are not pragmatic.

Perhaps setting-up early warning response teams from amongst the residents of informal settlements with basic fire control apparatus available on site can prevent random widespread fires across entire settlements before further fire protection measures come in from Disaster Management.

Published: DAILY NEWS Monday, 9 November 2020

Darul Ihsan Media Desk