[GALLERY + VIDEO]: UPDATE – Fire destroys Mayberry Park house

A FIRE that broke out at a house in Fir Street, Mayberry Park, on May 29 left homeowners devastated after the whole house was destroyed in a blaze.

The fire started on a Wednesday afternoon and its cause could not be established. No injuries were reported.

The massive fire destroyed almost all the furniture and most household belongings, leaving the house roofless. During the incident, two dogs were stuck inside the house but were luckily rescued just in time by Tactical Strike Force, CPS as well as other security companies.

Emergency services, ER24, security companies and the fire department were on the scene to offer their assistance.

According to a terrified domestic worker, Leah Phiri, she was in the house when the fire started.

“As I was in the house cleaning, I heard my employer’s daughter screaming as she saw the fire broke out and we both ran out. We called out to a neighbour who then went inside the house to try and put out the fire but the fire was beyond his control. I am terrified because I could have lost my life in that fire,” said Phiri.

Joao de Souza, a neighbour who helped put out the fire, said the fire was out of hand as they tirelessly tried to put it out. “I tried using a bucket to help put out the fire but by the time I got there it was already too late. I appreciate the help that was offered by our local security who were here to make sure that there were no fatalities,” he said.

A family member told the RECORD that they were devastated by the incident.

“The family is disturbed by the incident as they saw the house burn right before their eyes. I was out when the whole incident transpired and as I came back I saw the whole house in flames,” he said.

Useful tips on how to prevent your house going up in flames

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RSPA) has the following tips, to prevent fire accidents:

*Keep all fires and heaters well-guarded, especially open fires.

*Keep portable heaters and candles away from furniture and curtains. Position them safely where they cannot be knocked over

*Don’t dry or air clothes over or near the fire or the cooker

*Do not smoke in bed

*Many fires start in the kitchen, especially fat fires. Never leave a pan unattended when deep fat frying and watch for overheating.

*If there are children around, keep matches and lighters well out of reach

*Fit approved smoke detectors on each floor. Choose a smoke alarm that is mains operated or one with a long life (ten year) battery

*Plan your escape route.

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WATCH: House fire in Mayberry Park

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