Until further notice, clubgoers will be unable to spend a night out at Presleys Nightclub in Boksburg. A fire broke out on Saturday night and reports indicate that people in the nightclub had to be evacuated.

A few people were treated for smoke inhalation, but no one suffered serious burn injuries.

Several structures, including the thatched building and storerooms, were completely gutted in the fire – which broke out at the site at about 19:00. A light motor vehicle that belongs to the nightclub, was destroyed.

When a journalist from Boksburg Advertiser arrived at the site, the heat was so intense that it could be felt several metres away. A plume of dark smoke and flames rose high into the air, and chunks of blazing debris rained down on the nearby streets – prompting the temporary closure of the nearby street.

Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fire and to make sure that other structures in the area were protected. The inferno was finally contained on Sunday morning and shortly thereafter, crews began to mop up the fire.

According to Natasha Staniforth, the daughter of nightclub owner Chris da Silva, the bulk of the damage was caused to the north wing of the property where the fire is believed to have started.

She pointed out that the main building remains largely intact, but that the other structures that overlook it, were severely damaged by the flames, which threatened to spread to more buildings because of wind.

Staniforth said it’s too early to estimate the overall cost of the damage, but that assessments are currently underway to ascertain the loss suffered.

She added that the fire occurred at a time where they prepare to celebrate the club’s 30 years of existence next month.

She is confident that the important milestone for the nightclub will still be celebrated, provided that their preparations for the event are completed in time.

Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management spokesperson Eric Maloka said they were called and informed that the property was engulfed in flames.

A crew of about 52 firefighters and equipment from six stations: Boksburg, Wadeville Farramere, Rynfiled, Albertina, Primrose and Wadeville, were dispatched to tackle the severe blaze that had already engulfed part of the property.

“A search and rescue operation was initiated and three adults were evacuated from the building. They were treated for smoke inhalation and it’s believed that two of them were later transported to nearby healthcare centres for further medical assessments. The thatched building was completely damaged and its roof collapsed.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.