Call for donations following TAFTA fire
Preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of the fire was as a result of negligence on the part of a resident, and the fire caused extensive damage to the second floor of the building..
TAFTA is appealing for help from the community following a fire in a resident’s room at John Conradie House (JCH) last week.
TAFTA CEO Femada Shamam said that preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of the fire was as a result of negligence on the part of a resident, and from those first few small flames, the fire spread quickly, causing extensive damage to the second floor of the building.
The 74-year old resident suffered minor burns and was treated on the scene before being transported to Addington Hospital. She is now in isolation at JCH as a precaution against possible Covid-19 infection. Three other residents were also taken to Addington Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and later discharged.
Meanwhile clean up operations went into full swing and additional staff had to be brought in to clean the walls in the passageway, rooms and bathrooms.
Shamam said: “The devastation this incident caused is far reaching as extensive repairs will be necessary, and insurance will only cover the structural damage.”
She said following the fire, the second floor was without electricity until wiring that melted in the heat could be replaced, and all the lights, plugs and switches thoroughly checked.
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“All the ceiling panels in the passage need to be replaced, and new smoke detectors installed, along with repairs to the fire alarm system. Eleven fire extinguishers used to quell the flames have to be refilled. The flat where the fire started needs to be completely stripped, replastered, painted and refitted with cupboards and other furnishings and neighboring flats will also need new soft furnishings due to smoke damage,” she said.
Shamam is appealing to the community for any contributions towards the cost and to help turn the resident’s flat into a home again.
“We are extremely grateful that no lives were lost in the fire and are now trying to assist the affected resident with temporary resources before her belongings are replaced.”
The community can help with donations of clothing, adult nappies and underwear (3XL), a TV, fridge, cutlery and crockery, tea, coffee, sugar, a bed, blanket, bed linen and pillows, curtains and toiletries.
If possible TAFTA would like to arrange for care packs for the 15 other residents on the floor who have been displaced as a result of the fire. Donations such as tea, coffee, sugar, milk or toiletries would be appreciated.
Contact 031 332 3721 or www.tafta.org.za.
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