Thatched roof house in Mbombela saved from fire in time
The owner of the house suspects the fire was caused by a spark, as he was having a braai when it started. He is grateful the fire was contained before it could do a lot of damage.
Swift response from the owner and Mbombela Fire and Rescue recently saved a house with a thatched roof from suffering the same fate as that of the Byleveldt family on November 5.
According to the homeowner, Spanner van der Mescht, he suspects the fire was caused by a spark, as he was having a braai when it happened. “I saw the fire coming from the chimney, but quickly went up to the roof to prevent it from spreading further, and some of my neighbours also assisted. The swift response from the fire brigade in reaching me and their professionalism saved my house,” he said.
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He also said had it not been for the timely intervention from his neighbours, he would have lost the house and everything in it. The roof sustained minor damages, and he is not yet sure how much repairs would cost. “I would like to thank everyone involved for saving my house that could have been in ashes now. The fire brigade made sure the fire was completely put out, and for that I really appreciate their effort,” Van der Mescht said.
Meanwhile, Pierre Odendaal of Mbombela Fire and Rescue said the quick response from the owner, his neighbours’ help and proper access to the property for the fire brigade, all played a role in the fact that only a small section of the roof was damaged. He warned that owners of thatched roof buildings must make sure their roofs are properly treated against fire on the inside and outside and that the chimneys are built according to regulations, with the correct material between the chimney walls and the roof.
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Estate, farm or plot owners must also ensure the roads to their properties are suitable for emergency vehicles at all times. Driving a 17m long 20-tonne firetruck through a normal vehicle gate is not possible, and badly maintained gravel roads also increase response time. He hailed Van der Mescht and his neighbours for their quick response and assistance, which all worked together to ensure a good outcome.
