Fire rips through Amanzimtoti home
According to Jaco, the fire spread to the corridor into the other rooms causing major damage to the house and personal belongings.
AN AMANZIMTOTI family is picking up the pieces after a fire engulfed their home and destroyed personal items on Saturday morning, October 9. The family is still struggling to come to terms with the incident. However, despite the tragic circumstances the true spirit of community shined through the darkness.
Recalling the unfortunate incident, Jaco Coetzee, said it is absolutely heartbreaking to see their belongings destroyed.
“My wife, Marelise, and children were asleep upstairs and I was asleep downstairs. I was sleeping on the couch because I was watching movies the previous night. My wife screamed hysterically and I woke up immediately. When I reached the staircase, I just saw smoke. The entire upstairs level was black and we grabbed our children, who are aged eight and 12, and pets. Most of the smoke came out of the children’s rooms. The firefighters managed to stop the fire and fortunately no one was injured. The fire started in the bathroom, but they are not sure what was the cause of it. We were only able to get some clothes and bedding.”
According to Jaco, the fire spread to the corridor into the other rooms causing major damage to the house and personal belongings.
ALSO READ: Amanzimtoti house fire destroys precious memories
“We lost clothes, furniture, school uniforms, bags, books, blankets, and some personal sentimental valued items. We, unfortunately, do not have any insurance and have lost a lot of our personal belongings. The community has been very supportive. Hearts of Toti, Operation Bobbi Bear and the community are helping us. Thank you to everyone and a very special thank you to Monica and Craig Cannington from Pick n Pay, Galleria, who donated a food voucher to us. We are still unsure of everything that has been destroyed, but most of our clothes have been burnt.”
The family is currently residing with Jaco’s sister.
“The learners and teachers from Kuswag Skool are also assisting us with a fundraiser and we are so grateful. It was surprising to see how much the community has supported us. When you least expect it, everyone is so willing to help. At the moment it is hard to come to terms with the fire. We are looking for another place to live and we are trying to take it day by day.”
The family hopes to raise funds to find another home to rent as they can no longer stay at the house until a full assessment of the cause of the fire has been done. To donate to the family, contact Jaco on 076 752 1433.
ALSO READ: Fire safety precaution tips
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