Replica canteen building gutted by fire at Fort Amiel Museum

A nearby veld fire is believed to have spread to the building's wooden window frames.

August 26, 2020

Bruce Douglas 1 minute read

Newcastle Fire Services have been praised for their swift response, after staff at Fort Amiel Museum called in a fire at the replica canteen building this morning (August 26).

Curator of the museum, Louis Eksteen said a veld fire ravaged the surrounding area and is believed to have set the building’s wooden window frames alight. It did not take long for the entire building to go up in flames.

“We have been working on a shop display exhibit for the past two years, and most of this was wood. Luckily, we are still waiting for the glass screens to display the historic items, so none of the smaller items were destroyed.”

While only an approximate 10% of the exhibit was consumed by the fire, Eksteen said the biggest losses were an original printers cabinet, a vintage pharmacy cabinet and the Dutch Reformed Church’s first organ.

“It’s a very small percentage we have lost, and nothing really of historic importance.”

Municipal Head of Communications, Mlungisi Khumalo commented on the quick response of Fire Services and said their speed had been applauded by Mayor of Newcastle, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba.