A house on the corner of Oosthuise and Bothma Street went up in flames on 4 March.

According to Ms Loraine Randell, the next-door neighbour, as soon as she saw the flames, she sent out a request for assistance on several emergency WhatsApp-groups.

“Both groups were quick to reply and dispatched emergency services to the scene.”

She said an elderly woman, Ms Annetjie de Jager is the owner of the house, however, other people also reside with her as well.

All of the occupants in the house are safe.

Family members of the elderly women who resides in the house, also ran into the house to save her puppies and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

According to Ms Jane Pretorius, an employee of Smokey’s Doggy Salon, firefighters on the scene gave each puppy some oxygen and they were fine.

Smokey’s Doggy Salon arrived at the scene and took the five puppies and three adult dogs to be monitored.

See all the photos HERE

“They are all fine, I just checked on the puppies and they are suckling on their mom.

“One of the dogs was shaking, but has now calmed down, they are all comfortable at the salon with food, fresh water and blanket,” Ms Pretorius said.

According to Ms Randell, when she saw the broken windows and each room covered in thick black residue from the smoke, her initial thought was there was no way the house could be saved.

Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, Ermelo Police officials as well as traffic officials were on the scene.

The cause of the fire will be determined by the relevant authorities.

If any residents would like to open their hearts and make donations to the family contact Nikki Maharaj, journalist at the Highvelder newspaper at 061 306 2583.

This is a developing story with several elements that still need to be verified, as soon as more information has been obtained from the relevant people and authorities, a complete article will be published.

Make sure to read the complete article in the Highvelder newspaper.