Scottburgh family escapes a fiery death

The thick smoke eventually forced the family out of the building.

January 28, 2019

Juan Venter 1 minute read

The Goddard family, Ruth, Wayne and Lia.

A Scottburgh family survived a harrowing experience when a fire broke out at their home in the early hours of Wednesday last week.

Wayne Goddard said it was just after midnight when he awoke to a smoky bedroom and the desperate cries of his daughter Lia in the next room. The house was engulfed in flames and thick smoke.

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The door to his daughter’s room had slammed shut so hard that the door latch had locked from both sides. There was no other way into her bedroom, so with sheer force, Mr Goddard managed to break down the door and rescue Lia.

“The two fire extinguishers handed to me by my wife Ruth made no difference to the raging inferno,” he said, explaining that they had initially attempted to get the blaze under control.

The thick smoke eventually forced the family out of the building. “It took two fire trucks several hours to contain the fire. Assessors later confirmed an electrical fault to be the cause,” Mr Goddard said.

Despite this disastrous event, the Goddards feel that it is truly encouraging to know that they are part of a supportive community and would like to pass on their thanks to Gladiator Security, the Saps and the Umkomaas and Umdoni fire departments for their courtesy and bravery in preventing the loss of other homes in the complex.

“The assistance from the community was inspiring. Michael Kelsey and his son were first on the scene and Antonie Pieterse also took the lead in safety and support amongst the 30 odd neighbours on site. And they continue to follow up,” Mr Goddard said.