ASHERVILLE – A family in the Asherville New Houses area has lost almost everything they had accumulated over 44 years after their home was destroyed by a fire in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September. The fire, which allegedly started in the back room, spread rapidly through the property and also affected a neighbouring informal dwelling. The family estimates that the furniture, material possessions and other belongings destroyed exceed R1 million.
Joan Jantjies, who started a catering and décor business in 1984 and entered the small-scale construction sector in 2016, said she returned from a Patriotic Alliance rally in Bloemfontein to find her home engulfed in flames. She is responsible for 15 family members who lived at the property. Jantjies alleged that the fire was deliberately started by a community member known to and befriended by the family. Police have reportedly conducted an initial inquiry, led by Warrant Officer Khuphelo, before a case is allocated for further investigation.
Jantjies and other community members also raised concerns that some fire vehicles arrived with insufficient water. According to a municipal incident report by Acting Senior Manager: Strategic Services, Edwardine Abader, the first vehicle arrived at about 02:45, followed by two more by 02:50, and crews immediately began fighting the blaze in the back room. The report states that the first vehicle was running low on extinguishing media as the fire spread, and confirms that low water supply contributed to the decision to bring in a major fire truck, which arrived at about 03:05. The crews then worked together to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining areas. With the home reduced to ashes, the family is now appealing to the community for assistance as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding.
