No fire station in St Francis Bay

2012-11-12 08:51

Flames engulf homes in St Francis Bay. (Beeld)

Port Elizabeth - With no fire station in St Francis Bay, it was up to volunteers to initially try and put out the flames that destroyed homes and property in the coastal resort.

Many people sought refuge at the local golf club, reported Eyewitness News.

Mayor Booi Koerat of the Kouga district municipality said: “We have had fires before but never anything like this,” reported Beeld.

Homeowner Roché van Loggerenberg said no home in the village was valued under R3m.

Another homeowner, Deon van Rensburg, said his holiday home had burned down.

“My aunt could get the dogs out but by then the smoke was coming through the roof,” he said.

Residents told of hearing gas bottles exploding in the houses during the fire.

About 100 houses were destroyed in the fire and a firefighter was the only person injured.   

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- News24