Flames licked the air as the old house in Driehoek Road, Driehoek, burnt in the early hours of last Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n
The fire took over after panicked residents ran to get water from the taps, only to discover that the water was not working.<\/p>
\u201cOnly later when the house was fully aflame did we discover that the water had been turned off at the mains,\u201d said David Moaga, a long-time resident at the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy that time it was too late and we are now left with no place to stay.\u201d<\/p>
Twenty-three people living in the house were affected by the fire but there are approximately 45 people living on the property overall, as some stay in outside rooms.<\/p>\n
William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), told the GCN that firefighters responded to the fire at about 1.58am.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirefighters from Germiston Central Fire Station swiftly responded to the address as given and upon arrival, flames were already protruding through the roof section of the house, which is made out of corrugated zinc,\u201d said Ntladi.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrior to their arrival, backup was already summoned for extra water tankers to assist with water supply.<\/p>\n
\u201cFortunately only one casualty was accounted for as a result of smoke inhalation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe patient was road transported by an ambulance to Bertha Gxowa for further medical care.\u201d<\/p>\n
The house, consisting of 15 rooms, totally burnt and the occupants are now displaced.<\/p>\n
Disaster Management was also on scene to assist with disaster relief aids, including blankets.<\/p>\n