Residents affected by the fire at Kay’s Caravan Park in Strand last week are picking up the pieces of their lives and building new homes, while others come to terms with the devastating loss of their possessions, burnt to smithereens, whatever’s left lying in a heap of rubble.
The fire, which completely destroyed up to 13 homes and displaced up to 50 people, occurred last Tuesday afternoon (12 March) in what is suspected to be the result of negligence.
Within 30 minutes more than a dozen wooden structures were up in flames until firefighters eventually extinguished it and prevented further loss of property. Despite some minor injuries suffered the residents escaped mostly unharmed.
One resident, 61-year-old André Meyer, appeared distraught, yet with a hopeful look on his face as he accompanied DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette on a walk around the caravan park earlier this week.
“We have faith in God,” he said stoically, almost resigned to tragedy, since his family of seven has survived two fires at Kays in recent years, in both instances losing everything.
“People have been kind to us, and we have food and clothing, so we’re blessed.”
Meyer recalled being in his bedroom, cleaning, when he heard screams.
“I looked outside and saw the flames right next to my house. I picked up my late wife’s ashes, my wallet and dog, and I escaped. Looking back again I saw my home on fire. It was painful to see, but fortunately my kids and grandkids were all safe.
“But I’m heartbroken. We worked hard to build a home that we’re proud off, but it’s all God’s will and we accept it. I’m now renting at another part of Kays and hopefully soon we can rebuild our home.”
He added that his grandchildren have been affected by the fire and are receiving trauma counselling.
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan said some affected community members sought shelter with friends and family, while others were accommodated at Solidariteit Helpende Hand, located in Woltemade Street, Strand.
“Surrounding communities assisted with immediate needs, such as warm food,” she said. “The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre activated its humanitarian aid partners to assist with blankets, mattresses and clothing.”
According to Lana Strumpfer de Goede, owner of Kay’s Caravan Park, the cause of the fire is suspected to be the result of somebody’s negligence.
She also bemoaned some of the “bad comments” that have been made about Kays on social media from “people who have no clue of what we are going through.
“We are all tired and trying our best. Our plan, moving forward, is to rebuild all the homes in Kay’s Caravan Park with a product from Natural Homes called Paka Blocks.
“This product is manufactured from various properties of alien invasive species, with recycled plastic and paper to create a net carbon-negative building material. We pack these blocks the way one packs Lego blocks. The product is waterproof and fire-resistant for three hours.”
Strumpfer de Goede added a “Buy A Block” campaign has been started to raise funds to start the rebuilding of homes.
For further information and/or donations, please contact Tracey Martin on 082 524 6695 or info@kayscaravan.co.za
