Fire destroys 72 reed houses at Aussenkehr

A total of 72 reed houses were burnt to ashes at Aussenkehr after Block 5 at the town caught fire on Wednesday.

Police chief inspector Elifas Kuwinga says the fire allegedly broke out at one of the reed houses and then spread to nearby houses.

“The wind was blowing and thus resulted in an estimated 72 reed houses being burnt to ashes. Community members lost belongings such as documents, food, clothes, blankets and mattresses, and are currently stranded as they don’t have anywhere to sleep,” he says.

Kuwinga says community members and police officers used water tanks from the grape companies in the area to extinguish the blaze.

“No serious injuries or fatalities were recorded. The cause is still unknown. Police investigations continue,” he says.