A swift response from a gardener averted a potential disaster when a kitchen fire broke out at a residence on 13 Seascape Crescent in Anchorage Park, Gordon’s Bay, on Monday 29 September.
The incident, which occurred shortly after 14:00, caused damage to the kitchen, back door, and ceiling.
Resident Dennis Brown recounted the terrifying experience: “I made coffee on the gas stove and just turned around for a minute, when there was a small explosion. I turned around and saw the kitchen up in flames,” he said.
In a moment of panic, Brown screamed for everyone to get out of the house.
Instinctively, his gardener of 12 years, identified only as Macnon, sprang into action. “The gardener ran in with a hosepipe and doused the fire,” Brown explained. “He saved the day and our home. We are so grateful for his quick thinking.”
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident, adding that crews from Strand Fire Station attended the scene and found that the fire had been extinguished prior to their arrival.
“The fire crew ensured that the kitchen area was safe before handing the scene over to the owner,” Carelse said, adding that no-one had been injured.
Firefighters later secured the gas cylinder by placing it in a bin of water. While the quick actions prevented widespread damage, the fire ruined cupboards and impacted the back door and a portion of the ceiling.
The City urges residents to review fire safety guidelines, especially concerning gas appliances.
๏ฎ For more information on gas safety and general fire safety in the home, visit www.capetown.gov.za.
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