Home in Lonehill burnt down to the ground
LONEHILL - The Auld family, residents of the house that burnt down last night, are overwhelmed by the assistance and generosity of everyone in their street and the Lonehill community.
UPDATE: 12 July, 3pm – After a number of residents questioned why it took the Randburg Fire Department so long to reach the house fire, a Fourways Review reporter investigated what the delay was. Read our update here.
A thatched house situated on Lewis Road in Lonehill caught fire last night after a gas bottle exploded.
The Randburg Fire Department responded to the scene and spent all night trying to bring the fire under control.
The homeowner, Jennie Auld, “The fire broke out at 7.10pm last night and firefighters responded at around 8pm – which was a bit too late as, by that time, my house was already badly burnt. The fire was only under control at around 2am.”
She added that, to her understanding, the fire was caused by a heater’s brand-new gas bottle which exploded shortly after being ignited. “We tried to move the heater to an outside balcony, but could not due to the severity of the flames.
“Within minutes, the main bedroom was ablaze and full of smoke. My husband and I then grabbed our two dogs and ran outside. Our neighbour, who spotted the fire, alerted the relevant authorities and emergency personnel.”
Auld said that she, along with her husband and dogs, spent the night at a friend’s house and added that she was glad no one was harmed in the fire.
“The Auld family is overwhelmed by the assistance and generosity of everyone in their street, from the Lonehill community to the Lonehill Residents Association,” Kelly Braum of the association said.
Read more:
Diepsloot woman perishes in fire
Councillor alleges lack of service in fire response
Emergency services rubbish claims of delayed response to Chartwell house fire
