WATCH: Eden Park community urged to assist family left homeless after fire
A family of six has been left homeless and without belongings following a devastating blaze in Eden Park.
An Eden Park family has appealed to the community for help after a fire destroyed their home and belongings on September 6.
Charlotte Olifant said the fire started outside their house before spreading indoors.
@albertonrecord Charlotte Olifant said the fire started outside their house before spreading indoors. Olifant, who has been living at the property for two years with her children and grandchild, said the family has been left without a place to call home. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
Olifant, who has been living at the property for two years with her children and grandchild, said the family has been left without a place to call home.
“Please help me fix my place so my children and I can come back home,” she said.
Olifant explained that she has been staying at her cousin’s home since the night of the fire, while her children are staying with friends.
“My cousin’s place is small. We couldn’t all stay with her,” Olifant said.
She said the children affected include an 11-year-old boy, an 18-year-old son, a 22-year-old daughter and a four-year-old granddaughter.
Night of the blaze
Olifant’s partner, Lesley Visser, also described the night of the fire.
Visser said he and Olifant were asleep when they heard members of the community shouting outside.
@albertonrecord Olifant’s partner, Lesley Visser, also described the night of the fire. Visser said he and Olifant were asleep when they heard members of the community shouting outside. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“We just heard the community shouting, but we didn’t know what was happening,” he said.
According to Visser, the fire started outside the house, and the couple only realised what was happening when neighbours pushed open their door.
“When they came and pushed the door open, then we woke up and we saw the fire. We were already under smoke,” he said.
Visser said they managed to get outside, but by then the fire had grown significantly.
He said a plastic container near the house also caught fire, causing the flames to spread to their home.
Appeal for help
The affected residents are appealing to community members for assistance to rebuild their home and replace household items lost in the blaze.
“Anything that you can give us, any little thing, we will appreciate it,” Visser said.
Anyone who would like to assist the family can contact 073 772 3163.
