Glen Eagle home catches fire just hours before lockdown
The daughter’s room burnt down but luckily mom’s friends all chipped in to buy her some clothes just in time before lockdown.
Just hours before the Covid-19 national lockdown began, a Glen Eagle residence caught fire at around 1pm.
According to neighbours on the scene, they heard an explosion on Crested Eagle Crescent within the estate. When they went out into the street, they saw smoke pouring from their neighbour’s home.
The fire was extinguished at about 3.15pm but the house sustained damage to the top floor.
Sec Pros Tactical Fire Responder Jaco Jooste said the call was placed at 12.59pm and they arrived at 1.05pm.
“The little girl’s bedroom, including the roof of the top floor, were destroyed,” said Jooste.
According to homeowner René Pero everybody escaped the house unharmed. They are now living on her parents’ smallholding until such time as they may return home after the Covid-19 lockdown.
Pero confirmed her daughter’s room was completely consumed by the fire, as was an upstairs lounge.
“We’re not sure how long this [coronavirus] lockdown will last, but for now builders aren’t allowed onto the property,” said Pero.
She thanked everyone, including her neighbours, who jumped into action to help with hosepipes and offered other assistance.
“I’d like to thank the security companies and neighbours, including three strangers, who even offered to stay with us.
“My friends clubbed in and were able to buy my daughter some clothes as she only had the clothes on her back. I’d like to express my gratitude towards everyone who offered to help.”
Sec Pros operations director Gerald Groenewald thanked Smart Security Service for their help to battle the fire.”
Ekurhuleni Disaster Management and Emergency Services did not respond to queries at the time of going to print.
