It seems disaster is on repeat for the residents of Kay’s Caravan Park in Strand, where a fire broke out late on Tuesday afternoon and destroyed several homes and structures, displacing up to 50 people and slightly injuring three.
Plans to repair the structures and rebuild are already underway. Any donations of food, clothing, diapers or water can be directed to Danielle Lombard at 079 733 9477.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze just after 19:00, but only after it had destroyed nine informal structures, one formal building (shop) and two motor vehicles. A further two motor vehicles were slightly damaged by the fire.
The blaze left nearly 50 people displaced, and three people were treated and transported to a nearby medical facility.
Some of the displaced were accommodated at Ons Plek Helpende Hand, like Kays Caravan Park, situated in Woltemade Street.
The Disaster Risk Management Centre’s Sonica Lategan has stated assessments are still ongoing following the fire.
Lana Strumpfer De Goede, owner of Kay’s Caravan Park, said the cause of the fire is suspected to have been negligence.
Two young men suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to Helderberg Hospital for treatment. Both were expected to be discharged in the coming days.
Rebuilding efforts are expected to begin as soon as enough funds are raised to purchase building blocks that are fire-resistant.
