Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo [email protected]
THE Bulawayo Fire brigade has engaged the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) for possible assistance on a New Lobengula suburb family after it lost property worth ZiG100 000 following a fire that gutted their house on Monday night.
Household property was reduced to ashes including the roofing sheets while all four individuals who were inside the house were taken to Mpilo Central Hospital by an ambulance after suffering burns and smoke inhalation, according to the Bulawayo City chief fire officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo.
He said the fire brigade received a distress call on a house property fire at
10:45 pm and on arrival it was found that a two-roomed semi detached private residential house measuring 10m x 4m built of bricks under asbestos sheets was well alight with flames and smoke issuing from shattered asbestos roof and burnt wooden doors.
“A 14-year-old male juvenile who was sleeping in the house sustained burns on the back and upper arms. He also sustained cuts from broken window panes. A female adult and two minors sleeping in a separate room suffered smoke inhalation. Brigade used two high-pressure hose reels with breathing apparatus stage one to extinguish the fire with water supplies augmented from Emergency Tender 3,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the Brigade carried out investigations to ascertain the probable cause of the fire and indications are leading to a candle left on and unattended.
“The mother of the 14-year-old left around 8:20 pm to town, leaving the candle on with his son. Unfortunately, the boy got asleep without putting it off,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the department has since engaged the CPU as the situation was dire for the family.
“We have since roped in CPU and other partners we work with for assistance as the situation is just touching. The estimated value of the property is ZiG400 000, the estimated value of property lost is ZiG100 000 and the value of the property saved is ZiG300 000,” said Mr Moyo.
Online Reporter