North family left destitute as house razed by fire
The fire that started nearby damaged the entire house, burning most of the family’s belongings and killing two pets.
A Wolmer family has been left homeless after a fire ravaged their home on Saturday evening.
The house on the corner of Jopie Fourie and President Steyn streets, Pretoria North, burnt to ashes when it caught onto a fire that broke out at an upholstery workshop next door.
Family friend, Mellissa Coetzee said the family of four was in the house around 17:00 when the daughter smelt something burning from the outside.
“Jacqueline yelled at her parents alerting them of the smell,” said Coetzee.
“When they ran out they saw a fire next door and before they knew it the fire had caught onto their house.
“Everything happened so fast.”
Coetzee said the fire damaged the entire house, burning most of the Smit family’s belongings and killing two pets.
She said the family relied on friends for accommodation for the evening, but had nowhere else to go after losing the house they had been living in for 30 years.
“They lost everything. They tried to salvage some items, but the fire had already damaged a lot,” she said.
“One kitten died as well as a dog and one other kitten is being treated at the vet for burn wounds.”
Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said two fire engines, an ambulance as well as a rapid intervention unit services responded to the scene.
“The first arriving fire engine crew found the house well alight and initiated fire-fighting activities,” he said.
“The fire was extinguished. The cause of the fire is still undetermined.”
Coetzee said the family started receiving donations from residents, but were still in need of toiletries, food and clothes.
Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the family may contact Coetzee on 066 215 5156 or Tanya on 072 287 7573.
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