Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
ARSON has been ruled out in the devastating fire that gutted the popular Fairy Café on Wednesday morning, destroying property worth US$1 million and leaving 55 employees jobless.
An investigation team led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police forensic experts, went through the debris on Thursday and concluded that an electrical fault was the most probable cause of the blaze.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo said investigations conducted indicate that the inferno was likely triggered by an electrical gadget that was left switched on overnight.
“The fire may have started due to equipment left unattended. Gas cylinders inside the café were found emitting gas, which intensified the spread of the flames once the fire had ignited.
The building, which had 30 solar panels installed on the roof, also suffered battery explosions that could have contributed to the rapid escalation of the blaze,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the premises were found secured at both the front and back when firefighters arrived, forcing the brigade to break padlocks using bolt cutters to gain access adding that the property had a security guard on duty and was protected by an alarm system monitored by Fawcett Security Services.
“Information gathered indicates the alarm was triggered and reported to the security company, whose reaction team attended the scene and reportedly found nothing unusual at the time. About an hour later, the security guard noticed thick smoke billowing from the top of the building, prompting emergency services to respond,” said Mr Moyo.
He said elements of arson, lightning and careless disposal of lit materials were discounted following investigations.
The fire caused extensive damage, destroying about 80 percent of the interior and roofing structure and according to Mr Moyo the estimated value of the property stands at US$1,5 million, with losses pegged at approximately US$1 million.
“Property worth an estimated US$500 000 was saved. Despite the scale of destruction, no injuries were reported,” said Mr Moyo
