In less than 30 minutes, an 88-year-old Country Life Retirement Village resident lost all his earthly possessions in a fire that engulfed his unit at the facility in Brentwood Park.
Hanlie du Toit, the general manager of the village, confirmed that the blaze happened at 12:34 on July 11.
“It is suspected that the source of the fire was a gas heater that, according to the resident, might have been leaking from the cylinder,” she said.
“When the resident ignited the heater, flames engulfed the living room and rapidly spread throughout the unit.
“The resident, who lives alone, sustained minor burns to his wrist. The village’s on-site medical staff administered immediate medical care.”
Du Toit said that once the resident triggered his panic button, a co-ordinated response from the on-site management and emergency personnel jumped into action.
“We have four trained basic firefighters on site, who responded within minutes from receiving the alert,” she said.
“They contained the fire to the lone unit. No damage was recorded at neighbouring units. Upon the arrival of the Ekurhuleni DEMS at 13:00, they secured the unit and extinguished the fire. A thorough inspection was conducted.”
She said the resident declined admission to a hospital for observation, instead opting to undergo treatment at the facility’s frail care.
“The resident will be accommodated at this unit for the time being. We are grateful for our dedicated staff’s prompt response,” said Du Toit.
The resident declined to speak to the Benoni City Times.
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