Fire engulfs Margate’s iconic landmark
10 000 litres of water was used to suppress the fire.
Mop-up operations are under way at Margate Hotel after a fire raged through the landmark building in the early hours of Monday last week.
Built in 1932, the hotel has been a special venue in the seaside town of Margate.
Panic erupted when locals saw the hotel on William O’Connor Drive on the Margate beachfront go up in flames – especially ahead of the December holiday season.
Simon April, the spokesperson of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), said Margate Hotel has a total of 44 rooms, most of which were severely damaged by fire, heat, smoke and water. The damages extended to the restaurant, with the first and second floors mostly affected by heat, smoke and water.
“At the time of the incident, 11 rooms were occupied. Luckily, all occupants were accounted for,” he said.
April said that it’s alleged that a fire started in Room 304, and a suspect was taken in for questioning by police.
According to Saps Ugu District Communications, an enquiry was opened for investigation at Saps Margate.
“No arrests were made, and no one was charged. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be established.”
April said that the business (hotel) is badly affected and will be closed for a while, as it will have to be reconstructed since it has wooden floors.
“No injuries or fatalities were reported, and the restaurant sustained a bit of smoke damage; however, it will be able to continue operating.”
Spokesman of the Margate Hotel confirmed that the popular restaurant and pub, The Galleon Pub and Grill, re-opened on Wednesday evening.
“Although the accommodation side of the hotel will remain closed until 2025, we plan to come back bigger and stronger,” he said.
April added there was enough water supply as the establishment had fire hydrants, and fire crews continued fighting to stop the fire from spreading further.
He explained that 10 000 litres of water was used to suppress the fire, and a total of 11 firefighters from RNM, Ugu and uMziwabantu fire services attended the scene.
“On arrival at 02:40, it was reported that about six rooms were fully engulfed. Fire teams from RNM and Ugu used four skid units and a small tanker with 2000lt of water from RNM, while Ugu brought a medium pumper, bakkie sakkie, and water tanker carrying 18000lt and a fire engine from uMziwabantu Local Municipality,” he said.
* If you have a nostalgic memory or photo of the hotel email: shonaa@dbn.caxton.co.za
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