A fire at The Thirsty Oyster Tavern in Gordon’s Bay on Wednesday 5 April was apparently caused by radiated heat in the kitchen, as minimal damage was sustained and no injuries were reported.
Management at the establishment heaped praised on the quick thinking and brave reactions from their staff on duty, who managed to evacuate everyone to safety and keep the fire contained until emergency services could arrive.
Annie and Mark van Wyk, owners of The Thirsty Oyster Tavern for the past 21 years, reported that smoke and then flames erupted behind the griller in the kitchen.
“We do not yet know the cause, but where there is heat and oil and griller flames, there is unfortunately always risk,” said Annie. “Our staff acted with precision and all customers and staff were evacuated within minutes.” She added that the quick thinking and heroic actions of staff on shift, especially Quintin, was commendable.
“The staff doused the fire on the roof with every fire extinguisher available in the harbour, as the navy sprayed water with its hosepipe over the fence of the naval college, Lampies navigating Quintin from the bottom in terms of where to douse as the smoke was so thick, Owen doing superman moves to get to the gas turnoff valves with the help of Sive and Chris, while Heinz rescued our resident cat, and Jack and bartender Deon made sure everyone standing around still had a refreshing icy drink to calm the nerves.”
The Van Wyks have extended a special thanks to the Naval College, Gordon’s Bay Security, the local police and fire brigade.
“Owners, management, staff and handymen and -women are all hard at work hard today (Thursday) to get the roof and wall panels fixed, as are the electrician and gas company to make sure all lines and wires are safe to re-open for business are in full working order,” said Annie. “Drinks and oysters are being served, and Afrigas is busy inspecting gas lines as we speak so that we can open for business tonight and whole long weekend. We are thankful to our staff, patrons and friends, local and from all corners of the world, and well wishes are still pouring in, and we are just very grateful and feeling very blessed.”
According to Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, an emergency call was received at approximately 15:25 of a fire in the kitchen and crews from Strand and Sir Lowry’s Pass responded to the scene – two fire engines and a water tanker. “The staff from the Naval Base endeavoured to extinguish the blaze, however they were further assisted by our fire crews,” he said. “The fire was extinguished at 16:15 and no injuries were reported. It was only the wood structure where the stove was situated that was affected.” According to Carelse, the suspected cause was radiated heat.
