Two families left in dire straits after Van Riebeeck Park fire
His own family is now in dire straits as they moved out of their home to have more money to cover the medical expenses
TWO families have been dumped into financial difficulties following a house fire in Van Riebeeck Park last week.
The family who rented the property lost everything they owned in the blaze, while the owner lost the much needed rental income.
After the devastating blaze on Monday night last week, Kemptonians joined hands to help the woman and her three daughters who rented the house opposite Laerskool Van Riebeeck Park.
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The home owner, Alan Birkenfield, said, “The fire was a big blow to our family too.”
His own family is now in dire straits as they moved out of their home to have more money to cover the medical expenses of his mother-in-law, who was diagnosed with cancer, and for his father, who is paralysed from the neck downbecause he suffers from Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Although they have medical aid, it does not cover all the costs and the rent money went a long way to assist them.
Birkenfield’s family would like to thank the community for assisting his former tenants. “We also donated some stuff to help the single mother and her three daughters. But most importantly, we are grateful she and the children were not injured when the house started burning,” Birkenfield said.
Speaking to Express at the scene of the fire on Tuesday last week, Birkenfield said a puppy died in the fire.
“When I arrived at the property at 10.10pm, I found paramedics attending to a man who had apparently suffered burns while trying to save the puppy. Firefighters were trying to put out the remaining flames and people had already gathered outside.”
“The tenant said there was a spark from the fireplace. It landed on a mattress and quickly set the lounge alight. I think a gas bottle also exploded but fortunately the woman and her children are safe,” said Birkenfield.
The fire is said to have started at around 9.45pm and spread across all the rooms of the double-story building. The blaze engulfed all the tenants’ valuables, except what was in the double garage, laundry room and lapa.
Van Riebeeck Park CPF Sector One chairperson Rinaee Erasmus requested and collected donations to assist the girls and their mother via community WhatsApp groups.
“We really need help.
Anyone who can help us is welcome to contact me on 078 012 7563,” said Birkenfield.
