House burns down in Atlasville
A family of three were hospitalised after suffering from smoke inhalation when a fire broke out in their home on Saturday, November 2.
Owners Chris and Jolene, along with their son Byron (20), were at the time at home.
According to media liaison officer for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (EMS) William Ntladi, firefighters worked hard in preventing the fire from spreading to the rest of the house.
“A three-bedroomed house, including double garages and two outside resting rooms attached to the garages, caught fire and on arrival, firefighters had to go for aggressive flame knock down strategy,” says Ntladi.
The family also lost one of their pets due to smoke inhalation.
Ntladi says the double garages including a vehicle parked inside, along with a lounge, dining room, kitchen, and two outside resting rooms were destroyed by the blaze, while the rest of other rooms suffered smoke and water damage.
The cause of the fire is still uknown.
Shane Bailey of the Atlasville Organisation expressed how “awesome” the community is following the fire.
The Atlasville Organisation was formed by Atlasville residents in 2006 with the vision of increasing community participation, as well as other initiatives to assist residents of Atlasville.
“Atlasville Organisation supports the concept of caring, and we saw how the commnity showed such true spirit,” says Baily.
According to Baily, resident Craig and Sam Bisset have offered the distraught couple the use of their house until mid-December.
“This will take the pressure off the couple immediately and will afford them opportunity to deal with the insurance side and find a suitable rental house while theirs is being rebuilt.
“As the organisation we can only thank Craig and Sam for their wonderful generosity.”
Bailey says the one pet that surivived – a Jack Russel named Eddie – has already received donated dog food, a bowl, bed and blanket.
“We are, however, still collecting cash donations for the couple so that they can cover any immediate expenses.
“On behalf of the distraught couple, they want to thank the the community for the outpouring of love and support following the incident.
“Because of all the caring shown, the couple have already made the decision to rebuild their house and remain in Atlasville.”
Anyone who wants to get involved may phone Bailey on 076 825 3333(after hours).
