Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
A SIX-ROOMED Red Cross structure used as a kiosk at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo was gutted by fire this afternoon due to an overheated fresh chips fryer, resulting in the destruction of property worth ZiG130 000.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, said the damage was contained within one room where the chips were prepared.
“It is a single-storey structure near the parking area with six rooms, but fortunately, only one room—the one where they prepare fresh chips—was affected,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the fryer and part of the ceiling were damaged, and the fire brigade used a single hose reel to contain the fire. No human injuries were reported.
Mr Moyo said the estimated value of the building is ZiG800 000, with property worth ZiG670 000 saved.
He commended the hospital-based fire team for their swift response, attributing it to a deliberate training programme by the fire brigade.
“In the past, when fires broke out, there were delays in reporting, and by the time we arrived at the scene, the damage was already extensive. I am pleased with the direction we are taking as a department, where we now have fire teams stationed at strategic points. This will go a long way in saving valuable property, investments, and, indeed, lives,” said Mr Moyo.
