On Monday, September 19, a veld fire fanned by strong winds caused a thatch-roof cottage on a nearby property to catch fire.
The Muldersdrift Fire Protection Association (FPA) received an urgent call for assistance at around 14:00 on Monday. The staff and residents of the Good News Convention Center (GNCC) on College Road, Nooitgedacht, made the call.
Councillor Shenan Cochrane, Muldersdrift FPA Exco and Muldersdrift Cares explained that while the cause of the veld fire was still unknown, it spread through the property due to high winds despite adequate fire breaks. Within minutes another call came in to report a fire at a thatched cottage.
“We as FPA immediately requested assistance from Mogale Fire Services, but due to load-shedding, the GNCC members were unable to reach fire services to ask for assistance. Muldersdrift FPA and Fire Services arrived about 15 minutes later to find the fire had completely engulfed the cottage and spread to a second cottage, as well as the thatch, which was already on fire.
Mogale Fire Services extinguished the fire, but it was too late to save the building.
“As the FPA Exco on scene I oversaw this incident whilst our other teams assisted at the other fire in the district,” explained Cochrane.
Mr Smith, who had lost his wife recently, was in shock after losing his home and all of his possessions too. His three dogs never left his side during the ordeal.
Cochrane, the head of Muldersdrift Cares Pet Outreach, requested a community member, Angela Bahl, to bring water, a bowl and dog food as soon as possible, which she kindly did.
Gary, the GNCC maintenance manager, worked tirelessly with staff members to keep the fire on the property contained.
Cochrane made sure that Mr Smith was assisted with temporary accommodation at GNCC, which they kindly already had begun arranging.
She also asked FORA (under which Muldersdrift Cares falls) to check on the dogs the next day for any injuries. Fortunately, FORA’s Linda Scrace advised that everything was in order.
The cause and origin of the fire are unknown, according to Krugersdorp Fire Regional Commander Gerhard Nieuwoudt. Winds of 50–60km/h spread the fire quickly, causing extensive damage. West Rand District firefighters from Mogale City, Working On Fire, and Muldersdrift FPA members all helped to put it out.
“During fire season, some farmers and plot owners still fail to make fire breaks and keep their properties clean,” added Nieuwoudt.
The Muldersdrift FPA Exco would like to thank everyone who helped so quickly and willingly; without their assistance the situation could have turned out very differently. The FPAs are located throughout the country in all rural areas, and they encourage all landowners in rural areas to register with their local FPA to ensure that they are fire-prepared in accordance with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998.
“We are requesting donations from the community, particularly clothing, bedding, and food, to assist Mr Smith. Donations can be dropped off at the GNCC,” concluded Cochrane.
