A Florida family of five lost everything after a their house, in Nadine Street, was ravaged by fire early on the morning of Tuesday, 18 April.
According to one of the neighbours, Shoneez Amien, non-one is entirely sure exactly what time the fire started and what caused it, but it was early morning. “I took my son to school, and when I returned, the house was engulfed in flames,” she said. She added that nobody was injured, as the family was not in the house at the time. “If it was not for the fact that the new school term had started, the story might have ended very differently. By the time the fire started, everyone was up and on their way to school. The emergency services managed to save the pets as well, and the only fatality was the hamster,” she said.
Amien said that the fire spread very quickly, and within 20 minutes the top storey had burned down. “The SAPS and paramedics were on scene very quickly, but unfortunately the fire truck took a little longer. But, once they arrived, they took control of the scene and were very efficient, but they could not save the house,” she said. Amien’s house was also in danger of catching fire, as the fire looked as if it would spread. “I had to hose down the side of the house closest to the flames, to make sure our house did not catch fire in the process. It was absolutely frightening,” said Amien.
Although the family was lucky to not sustain any injuries or fatalities, they lost their house and everything in it. In cooperation with Amien, the Florida Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Florida ICE, an appeal was launched on social media for donations to the family. “I was overwhelmed by the unbelievable response from the public – from individual donations of a pair of shoes to organisations donating bags filled with blankets. By 10pm last night, we had received the last donation, and the family now has everything they need,” an amazed Amien said.
She added that although the family are not in need of any more household items, food donations will still be welcome. “Food is something that will always be needed, and these donations will be welcomed with open arms,” she said.
The family is currently living in their grandmother’s house across the street, while waiting for the rubble to be removed in order for them to assess the real extent of the damage.
The family was contacted for comment, but at the time of publication of this article, none has been received. As soon as feedback is received, an update will be done.
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