Cissie Gool House fire displaces dozens

A DEVASTATING fire ripped through a section of Cissie Gool House, formerly the Woodstock Hospital, in the early hours of Monday, displacing dozens of residents and reigniting criticism of the City of Cape Town's approach to housing, emergency preparedness and informal communities.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

According to the City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, an emergency call was received at 3.35am, reporting the fire at the Mountain Road property in Woodstock.

Fire crews from Roeland Street, Sea Point, Salt River and Milnerton stations were dispatched. Upon arrival, they encountered flames engulfing the first floor, with the fire having broken through the roof. Aerial firefighting equipment had to be deployed to contain the blaze.

“Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 7am,’ said Carelse.

“Thankfully, no injuries were reported thanks to the swift response by both residents and emergency personnel.

“A building inspector has been requested to assess whether the structural integrity has been compromised. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.”

While the official displacement figure has not yet been confirmed, GOOD Party councillor Roscoe Palm and community activists say the fire has left close to 50 people without shelter, bedding, or clothing, just as winter begins to bite.