Fire ravages home in Utrecht

Another fire has struck Utrecht. This time, a fire broke out at a home, causing serious damage to the property yesterday afternoon.

Pro Ethnos Services’ Jurie van Staden, while on his way back to Utrecht from Newcastle, got wind of the fire and rushed to the scene to help.

According to reports, a resident at the scene contacted the Utrecht Municipality and was informed that the Utrecht fire department was en route. A few minutes later, another resident called the fire in, and was allegedly told by the same operator that Utrecht has no fire department.

The Utrecht municipality eventually sent out two traffic officials with a 200 liter water “skid” unit to combat a house fire. Mr van Staden, as a qualified fire fighter himself, entered the building to ensure that no one had been trapped inside.

“I could not open a path to the second floor of the building as the wooden steps as the fierce flames had already compromised floors,” he reported.

Mr van Staden managed to save some of the furniture and personal effects, but with no equipment or supporting resources, he was not able to save the building.

Recently, the Utrecht municipality informed Mr van Staden that he would receive no support from the council for his services, and that he would need to operate without their backing.

As a private company, said Mr van Staden, Pro Ethnos Services recognised the dire need of the community, and decided to step in.

Mr van Staden has now issued a plea for help. He desperately needs equipment and resources to be able to offer a viable service to the Utrecht community. At this time, he is responding to accident scenes and emergencies with his private vehicle, with some of his personal equipment kept in the boot.

“I would like to thank Margery from ER24, who assisted me where she could, for which I am very grateful,” he said.

Read more about the plight of the Utrecht community here.