Rant-en-Dal fires: A community comes together

The devastating fires in Rant-en-Dal on Sunday, October 8 once again showed that the Krugersdorp community can come together in the toughest of circumstances.

A veld fire destroyed three residences near the Kloof, displacing three families. Two lapas were also damaged.

On that Sunday morning, the community quickly jumped in to help these residents carry their belongings onto the pavement, bring water for first responders and assist in fighting the fire. Now, everyone is rallying to help their neighbours get back on their feet.

“The veld fires were spreading in several directions including down towards Kings Kloof where it was reported that several people were in the Kloof on hiking or cycling trails,” Mogale Response Services’ statement read.

The West Rand District Fire Department, Krugersdorp Fire Station, and Station 38 were dispatched and were on the scene within minutes.

“Due to the severity of the fire, further resources were requested to assist not only at Heritage Lodge but also the old butchery and restaurant.”

The fire then spread through the valley to the residential area of Sparrow Road and First Street. Unfortunately, several houses were destroyed before the fire could be contained and eventually extinguished.

• Read the initial article here: Kloof fire leaves devastation in its path

Afterwards, a fund was established to help the victims of the fire. Ward councillor Aloysha Jooste was in contact with the victims and was also on the scene.

She explained that one family had lost everything and they had an eight-month-old son. They did manage to save some clothes but lost everything else. Another victim does not have any insurance and a big part of her house burnt down.

At the moment assistance is needed with the clean-up and the families require bedding, non-perishable food, toiletries, children’s clothes (six to 12 months and 12 to 18 months), towels, cleaning products and toiletries.

The community responded to calls for help and with them AfriForum, the Community Policing Forums’ Sector 3 members, Fidelity Firesecure, FireOps SA, Netcare 911, Randfontein Fire Department, Station 28, Roodepoort Fire Department, ward councillors as well as the Station 38 reservists assisted.

“We would like to thank all entities and individuals for their assistance during this devastating fire. The shift on duty from Krugersdorp Fire Station would personally like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every single individual who assisted either with fighting the fires or with fetching and carrying water to where it was needed. The community that delivered bottles of water, cold drinks, energy drinks, food, snacks and fruit for the teams that were working, your heroism and unity was a force to be reckoned with and is appreciated beyond measure,” their statement concluded.

The Prisma Kerk in Rant-en-Dal has an account where money can be donated and other donations can be dropped at their offices at 34 Swallow Road. For monetary donations use NG Kerk Rand en Dal, Absa Cheque account, 0310580910, Reference: Brand Hulp and email proof of payment to lizahn@prismakerk.co.za or phone Lizahn on 011 665 2107 for enquiries.

Please keep these numbers in case of emergencies:

• 107 Emergency Operation Centre is the communication centre for the West Rand. Their number is 011 951 3000 or 112
• Netcare 911: 082 911
• ER24: 084124
• Police: 10111
• Gauteng Emergency Medical Services: 011 564 2210