Amanzimtoti couple lose everything in house fire
The family are appealing for assistance after a fire destroyed the house they had worked so hard to make into their dream home.
THE Searle family watched in disbelief as their dream home on Glen Terrace in Amanzimtoti was gutted by a fire on the morning of April 6.
Esther (61) and Freddie (62), who have been married for almost 36 years, bought the house in 2004 and have since fully renovated the interior and exterior to make it their dream home.
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Just after the 08:00 to 10:00 load-shedding, Esther received calls from their security company notifying her that the alarm was going off, before phoning again to inform her that the house was engulfed in flames.
She and her husband then rushed home from the shop and work and waited anxiously for the fire department to arrive. “We were stunned and speechless as we stood there watching our whole life go up in flames,” said Freddie.
The couple were offered a two-night stay at a guesthouse but have moved in with their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. They are also grateful for their neighbours who have reached out to churches for assistance, as all they are left with is the clothing on their backs.
Freddie said they are hopeful the homeowner’s insurance will pay out soon after the assessor comes out so they can rebuild their house. However, they did not have insurance for the contents of the home, so they have to start all over again.
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No one was at home at the time, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown, however, it is suspected to be an electrical short.
At the time of the fire, the fire department’s division commander, Thabile Zikhali, said, “As we were driving up the road, we could see the smoke. On closer inspection, we heard a ‘shhhh’ noise from an LP gas bottle. A section of the roof was thatch, which escalated the fire,” said Zikhali.
To offer assistance or donate household items and clothing, contact Freddie Searle on 071 361 4675. Alternatively, monetary donations can be made into the following bank account: FPJ Searle, Capitec Savings account number: 1755092596.
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