Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
The Bulawayo Fire Brigade managed to save two fully stocked storerooms after a one-hour battle with a blaze that razed the popular city restaurant, Fairy Café, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing, but authorities suspect it may have been triggered by an electrical or appliance-related fault after something was left switched on overnight.
The presence of seven 48kg gas cylinders, as well as 30 solar panels mounted on the roof, is also of interest to investigators.
“The fire was very extensive but we managed to contain it inside an hour, nothing was salvaged from the main building but two fully stocked storerooms were saved with all the food items inside,” said Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo.
He said the spread of the fire, which started from the rooftop, may have been fuelled by both the solar panels and the gas cylinders.
“Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and the cost of damages. We have also engaged other security agencies in the investigations,” said Mr Moyo.
Meanwhile, a section of Fife Street between 13th and 14th Avenues has been sealed off to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
derick.khumalo