A Mitchells Plain family has been left destitute after their home was destroyed in a devastating fire on Monday afternoon.
City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Edward Bosch, says shortly after noon firefighters received the call for help for a house on fire in Welkom Street, Portlands.
“The City’s Fire and Rescue Services responded to a dwelling alight in Portlands, Mitchells Plain just after 12.30pm.
“Two fire engines and a water tanker with 12 firefighters responded. One formal and one informal dwelling were destroyed by fire. A total of seven people have been displaced and the cause [of the fire] has not yet been determined,” says Bosch.
Edward Marshall, of the Portlands Block B committee, says reports that the fire was started by klappertjies were incorrect.
Tuesday was Guy Fawkes day when mense traditionally set off fireworks, although it is illegal to do so in residential areas.
“We have seen a chat that says fireworks was the cause of the fire. That the person who was not even at the scene could make such a statement without verifying it first is very irresponsible.”
He says there were four kids in the huis with their 70-year-old oupa, who suffers from dementia.
The Portlands Block B Neighbourhood Watch is arranging a donation drive to assist the family who have lost everything in the fire.
Donations can be dropped at their newly established base station at Montagu Drive primary.