Kruger Maroela Lodge and restaurant gutted by blaze

MARLOTH PARK – At 03:00 on Monday, staff and residents of Kruger Maroela Lodge (KML) and Maroela Restaurant woke to the sound of a raging fire on the premises.

The local volunteer fire and rescue service was immediately called and arrived on the scene to find a terrifying inferno.

“Everything was in flames except for our chalets,” said KML’s owner, Vicky Walters, who was on holiday in Knysna at the time.

“By the time Marloth Park Fire and Rescue (MPFR) arrived, the whole restaurant building, our staff accommodation, the ablutions, laundry, kiosk, office, storage room and gym were all up in flames. Some of our staff lost all their clothing, but fortunately no one was injured.”

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The fire was contained before it could spread to KML’s self-catering chalets.

Vaughan Potgieter was one of the volunteers working with MPFR. “We are not sure of the cause of the fire, and arson is not suspected at this stage. We were quite miraculously helped by a short downpour of rain, which helped us put the fire out.”

It took the combined efforts of 15 firefighters from two Marloth Park fire and rescue teams and another from Hectorspruit to douse the flames. They used three skid units.

Once the fire was under control, the municipal fire engine and firefighters arrived, but they left again after only 10 minutes.

Potgieter said, “The municipal firefighters left before dousing the fire completely, and this is why it started up again. Our dedicated volunteer services finished the job properly.”

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The SAPS is investigating the cause of the incident, and KML’s insurers from Pretoria were on their way to assess the damage and claim at the time of going to press.

Fortunately, KML has only had a few cancellations as a result of the fire.

Walters said, “Due to the volunteer teams’ hard work and dedication, our big communal pool and boma area are still fully operational, while the smaller Sky Bar is still able to serve alcoholic beverages, cooldrinks and snacks. This will be a cash bar and will be open daily between 14:00 and 17:30, but will be closed on Sundays.

“A huge thank you to the fire team, security companies, CPF and the neighbours for being quick to respond and notifying the necessary parties. It was a great team effort all round, and we are immensely grateful.”

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She also thanked KML’s clients for remaining dedicated to their December/January bookings, despite the devastation.

“Your continued support is heart-warming. We are very sad, but not defeated or broken. We still have some accommodation available for bookings over the holiday season.”

For bookings, call Walters on 074 495 1019.