One man died and dozens were left displaced after 40 shacks burnt down in an informal settlement in Jeppestown, Johannesburg emergency management services said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Nana Radebe said a 25 year- old-man was found dead and about 80 people had been left displaced after forty shacks completely burnt down early on Saturday morning.

She said the EMS received a call just after 1am that a fire was raging at Doran and Princess street in Jeppestown.

Four fire engines attended to the scene.

One man was found with serious burns and was treated on the scene but refused to be hospitalised.

The 25-year-old man was apparently asleep alone in his shack at the time the fires broke out.

Radebe said he might not have hear other people evacuating.

She said EMS was still on the scene shortly before 5am trying to assist those who had been displaced with blankets and food.

"We also have fire safety officers on scene who are going to investigate the cause of the fire," she said.

Sapa