Cape Town - Some Bonteheuwel families, who lost everything to a blaze yesterday, are pleading for donations to get back on their feet.
Their belongings were destroyed in a fire that engulfed 15 structures and damaged three houses at Bessie Avenue and Boekenhout Street at about 11am. The fire reportedly started at the back house and viciously spread to the backyard's structures.
Fifteen children and 30 adults were left destitute and crashed at their relatives' homes as most of them returned from work to nothing.
"It was a nightmare, but we're glad nobody got hurt.
"All the hard-earned stuff we had was gone in a moment, and we have to start from scratch again. Every little help will go a long way, especially for the children. There are children from as young as five years old up to 19 whose lives are now a misery, and there's not much we can do as a parent at the moment. We need food, clothing and the material, please," said Salvedran Chellan, 39, living at the back of his home.
"Thankfully, there was no lose of life. However, a dog sadly perished in the blaze. Sadly, the extent of the fire damage could have been prevented if individuals did not slash the fire hose pipes," said ward councillor, Angus McKenzie.
Jermaine Carelse, the spokesperson for the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, said crews were dispatched at about 11.35. "Upon arrival of the first crew, the officer called upon additional resources to contain the spread of fire. A total of four fire engines, two water tankers and 24 firefighters battled the blaze, which was extinguished at approximately 14:00. A number of persons were displaced, and several informal structures were destroyed. The cause of the fire is unknown," explained Carelse.
He urged the public who would like to help to drop off donations in Bessie Avenue or Boekenhout Street Bontehuewel,.aAternatively, contact Salvedran Chellan at 081 711 8015.