Fire destroys 25 shacks, 3 houses
LEANDREA MOUERS
WALVIS BAY
Twenty-five shacks and three houses were destroyed in a fire in Walvis Bay on Saturday.
The latest fire in the Tutaleni suburb of Kuisebmond left more than 100 people homeless.
According to an incident report released by Sergeant Anna Frans of the police’s community affairs unit, the fire broke out in a backyard shack at around 13:30.
“The fire allegedly started in one of the nine ghettos [shacks] situated behind house number 6205 located in Guinea Fowl Street.
“The fire completely destroyed the main house as well as nine ghettos on the premises. It then spread further and destroyed another two houses and 16 ghettos. A total of 25 ghettos and three houses were destroyed by the fire,” she said.
Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported.
“The total value of damage is not known, while the cause of the fire is also unknown at this stage,” Frans said.
Uncooperative residents
According to Walvis Bay fire chief Dennis Basson, members of the fire brigade had to battle with the crowd to gain access to the fire.
“The fire was already at an advanced stage when we arrived at the scene. We could not establish what had caused the delay in calling us to the scene. We tried our best and had 10 of our men as well as three fire trucks on site.”
The fire chief said roadworks in the vicinity of the Khomas Hochland road in Kuisebmond also presented a challenge.
“We had to take a longer route to get to the fire due to the roadworks. Upon arrival, we had to force our way through the parked cars, and the crowd that had gathered at the scene.
“We had people pulling on our water hoses while we were trying to fight the fire. Only one of our trucks could fill up at a nearby fire hydrant, while the rest had to drive to other areas to fill up again,” he said.
Temporary shelter
The victims were issued with tents for temporary accommodation.
“We also provided them with blankets, cans of fish and necessities for the babies. I am glad that we could assist with the little we had in storage, and as soon as more donations pour in, we will immediately take them to the fire victims.”
An excavator is clearing rubble from the site.
The fire brigade could not establish the cause of the fire. “Some fire victims say that they get victimised when the cause of the fire is revealed,” Basson said.
The fire chief added that he hopes the rest of the festive season passes without event.
“I truly hope that this is a singular occurrence and not an indication of how the festive season will be. We are ready, though.”
With regards to firefighters taking leave, Basson said it has been structured so that a maximum number of firemen will be on duty.
“We also have 19 volunteers ready to assist. All our fire trucks and equipment are fully functional. We have no trucks or equipment under maintenance.
“We have also received a new hazmat unit, which can be utilised to tackle hazardous materials such as chemicals. If all goes well, we plan to place a fire truck at the Yanni Savva police station from 20 December to assist with response to emergencies along the B2 road. We are ready for the festive season.”
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WALVIS BAY
Twenty-five shacks and three houses were destroyed in a fire in Walvis Bay on Saturday.
The latest fire in the Tutaleni suburb of Kuisebmond left more than 100 people homeless.
According to an incident report released by Sergeant Anna Frans of the police’s community affairs unit, the fire broke out in a backyard shack at around 13:30.
“The fire allegedly started in one of the nine ghettos [shacks] situated behind house number 6205 located in Guinea Fowl Street.
“The fire completely destroyed the main house as well as nine ghettos on the premises. It then spread further and destroyed another two houses and 16 ghettos. A total of 25 ghettos and three houses were destroyed by the fire,” she said.
Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported.
“The total value of damage is not known, while the cause of the fire is also unknown at this stage,” Frans said.
Uncooperative residents
According to Walvis Bay fire chief Dennis Basson, members of the fire brigade had to battle with the crowd to gain access to the fire.
“The fire was already at an advanced stage when we arrived at the scene. We could not establish what had caused the delay in calling us to the scene. We tried our best and had 10 of our men as well as three fire trucks on site.”
The fire chief said roadworks in the vicinity of the Khomas Hochland road in Kuisebmond also presented a challenge.
“We had to take a longer route to get to the fire due to the roadworks. Upon arrival, we had to force our way through the parked cars, and the crowd that had gathered at the scene.
“We had people pulling on our water hoses while we were trying to fight the fire. Only one of our trucks could fill up at a nearby fire hydrant, while the rest had to drive to other areas to fill up again,” he said.
Temporary shelter
The victims were issued with tents for temporary accommodation.
“We also provided them with blankets, cans of fish and necessities for the babies. I am glad that we could assist with the little we had in storage, and as soon as more donations pour in, we will immediately take them to the fire victims.”
An excavator is clearing rubble from the site.
The fire brigade could not establish the cause of the fire. “Some fire victims say that they get victimised when the cause of the fire is revealed,” Basson said.
The fire chief added that he hopes the rest of the festive season passes without event.
“I truly hope that this is a singular occurrence and not an indication of how the festive season will be. We are ready, though.”
With regards to firefighters taking leave, Basson said it has been structured so that a maximum number of firemen will be on duty.
“We also have 19 volunteers ready to assist. All our fire trucks and equipment are fully functional. We have no trucks or equipment under maintenance.
“We have also received a new hazmat unit, which can be utilised to tackle hazardous materials such as chemicals. If all goes well, we plan to place a fire truck at the Yanni Savva police station from 20 December to assist with response to emergencies along the B2 road. We are ready for the festive season.”
[email protected]
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