Bridgetown residents are appealing for help to rebuild the home of a community worker which was destroyed in a blaze yesterday morning.
Gaironesa Fortune, 52, says along with her nephew and tenants they were forced to flee their home after a fire ripped through two backyard dwellings and the main house in Reagan Crescent.
“I was asleep in my room with my six-year-old nephew Mogamat Zaid Abrahams when the fire started,” says Gaironesa.
“I just heard people screaming ‘the place is on fire’ and we all had to run with our pyjamas on. We could save nothing because the flames were everywhere.”
Fire and Rescue services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse says firefighters were called to the scene shortly after midnight.
“Fire crews from Epping and Salt River were dispatched to this incident. Two fire engines, one rescue vehicle and a water tanker with a total of 14 staff members were on scene.
“The fire was extinguished at 1.55am and there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.”
Gaironesa, who is a member of the Callas Foundation, volunteers each day at a local soup kitchen and is often seen among protesters at various courts as alleged rapists appear.
She says five adults and seven children have been left homeless and they need building materials, clothes and food.
“The roof was destroyed and we are all sleeping in a small room that was not affected.
“I am not sure how the fire started, but we desperately need to rebuild. Any help will be appreciated.”
Anyone who would like to help can call Caroline Peters on 071 135 7175.