Lilianton pub ravaged by fire
The cause of a fire at Die Watergat pub, in Lilianton, is still undetermined.
On Friday, August 11, at around 5.10am, Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) received a distress call about a fire in Esson Road.
Firefighting crews from the Leon Ferreira Fire Station, in Boksburg, promptly responded to the address, and summoned back-up from the Farrarmere Fire Station.
“On arrival, it was found the address was that of a sports bar and not a residential house as initially reported.
“The building, which has a thatched roof, was well alight when our teams arrived,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.
“Flames were protruding through the roof and the structure had already lost its integrity, as the entire roof and some parts of the walls were already cracked – signs of possible collapse.
“Flames were rapidly spreading to the entire roof and the contents.
“Flame knockdown was immediately initiated with water from the fire engines’ tanks and sustained supply was from the nearby fire hydrant until the scene was declared safe.”
The surrounding streets were closed for the duration of the active operations, for safety reasons.
Motorists had to use alternative routes and the DEMS extended its gratitude towards motorists for the co-operation shown.
The fire was contained and extinguished without affecting other nearby structures.
No casualties were recorded and investigations are underway into the cause of the blaze.