A raging fire broke out at the Somerset West Golf Club on Thursday 27 April causing “irreparable” damage.
Firefighters were called to action after a storage building at the golf club, located in Rue De Jacqueline, Somerset West, erupted in flames in the early hours of Thursday.
According to Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue service, firefighting crews from Somerset West and Strand responded to the incident around 03:00, and were confronted with a building well on fire, one that had housed equipment, including golf carts.
“By 04:20 crews managed to contain and extinguish the blaze, which not only damaged the building but caused thousands of rands’ damage to equipment,” said Carelse.
“No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is as yet unknown.”
Somerset West Golf Club manager Wouter Geldenhuys, on enquiry, confirmed the incident. “In the early hours of Thursday morning a fire broke out in a building at the Somerset West Golf Club,” he said. “This building housed golf carts, which are stored while not being used. Unfortunately the building and a number of golf carts suffered irreparable damage. At this stage the forensic fire investigators and insurance assessors are carrying out their investigation to determine the cause of the fire and extent of the damage.” Geldenhuys urged locals to avoid any speculation regarding the fire’s cause and implications, and allow for the relevant authorities to be given the time and scope to conduct their investigations.
“Once we have received the reports we will inform those directly affected and will make the reports available to the public.”
He expressed his gratitude for the prompt action of responders, including the on-duty Vetus Schola security staff and the Somerset West fire brigade whose swift reactions prevented the fire from spreading and wreaking havoc.
Geldenhuys also stated temporary arrangements were being made to house members’ carts and to make hire carts available to visitors.
“On Tuesday 2 May the golf club will have started its annual hollow-tining exercise, which entails aerating the grass on the green. As a result, the course will be closed and will open again on Monday 8 May.” He further emphasised the fire would not prevent golfers from enjoying the top-notch facilities or the spirit for which Somerset West Golf Club is well known.
