MAN COUNTS HIS LOSSES AS HOUSE CATCHES FIRE

Laura Maposa and Brian Matematema

A KUWADZANA resident is counting his losses after his house was gutted by fire with property, worth thousands of dollars, being reduced to ashes.

Louis Chanakira is believed to have left an electrical jug on, resulting in the fire.

It started at about 6am.

Chanakira had already left for work at the time.

His tenants, who occupy half of the house, immediately called David Musonda, who is a member of the neighbourhood watch committee.

“I was in my house when I was told that the house next door was on fire.

“As a member of the neighbourhood watch, I quickly called the Fire Department.

“I started helping the tenants, who occupy the other half of the house, to get their stuff outside.

“We alerted the community who helped contain the fire as we waited for the Fire Brigade.”

He added:

“Fortunately, the occupants on the other side of the house were able to get their property out, unlike the owner of the house.

“I had to break the windows and a door to get inside.

“The fire started from the bedroom and spread through the ceiling to the dining room.

“It did not spread fast to the other rooms because of the geyser in the ceiling that burst and released some water.

“Clothes, a fridge, academic certificates and other goods were burnt down by the fire.”

Chinakira said :

“I was at work when I was told that the house was on fire and l alerted the community who helped contain the fire while waiting for the Fire Brigade.”