GEORGE NEWS - A family from Denneoord is trying to come to terms with the devastating fire that tore through part of their home in Fifth Avenue on Sunday afternoon, 24 May.
The fire broke out on a property with two houses on the same erf at about 15:40.
According to tenant Sylvia Donoghue, the inspectors and assessors are still investigating the cause of the blaze. The family was informed that they would be able to start the clean-up process later this week.
"Everything still smells of smoke, and we can't sleep there at the moment," Donoghue said on Monday.
"We first stayed with some neighbours and will now spend a few days with my in-laws outside town.
"We are grateful that we will be able to move back soon and start cleaning."
Donoghue said the fire is believed to have started in the driveway in front of the second dwelling on the property, possibly at one of the vehicles. A video circulating on social media showed the firefighters extinguishing a burning vehicle.
A screenshot of a video shared on the Facebook page 'Georgiete Staan Saam'.
Donoghue said she grabbed the family's two cats and fled the house with her three children, aged 11, four and two.
The family's eldest child, an 11-year-old learner of Outeniqua Primary, lost her entire bedroom in the fire. The room, situated closest to where the blaze started, was destroyed within minutes.
"She is putting on a brave face," Donoghue said. "We were having a quiet day at home, and I was still in my pyjamas. My daughter was playing Xbox in her room when she saw the fire outside her window and called me. She just froze.
"I know it's earthly things, but that was her little space. Everything was destroyed in 10 minutes. She is still processing everything. We have been offered counselling."
Fortunately, the girl's schoolbag had been left in the kitchen and was not damaged in the fire. However, she lost all of her toys, electronics and bedroom furniture.
Donoghue said the family does not have household contents insurance, and that her husband is currently working in Tanzania.
The property's owner, Emil Heyns, who lives in the second house on the premises, reportedly lost two vehicles in the fire. He was not ready to comment at the time of going to press.
A photo taken from a neighbour’s house to show the commotion in the road. It was shared on Facebook in a call for help for the Donoghue family.
The George Municipality said the firefighters had found a formal residential structure and several vehicles engulfed in flames when they responded to the emergency call on Sunday.
"The crews acted swiftly to contain the blaze and successfully extinguished the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage and is currently under investigation," said the senior communications officer, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe.
Anyone who wishes to help the family may contact Donoghue on 066 238 6941. She said she was deeply moved and thankful to everyone who had reached out so far and helped with donations.
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