{"id":82874,"date":"2025-05-06T17:02:21","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T15:02:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/?p=82874"},"modified":"2026-06-18T17:00:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T15:00:31","slug":"st-patricks-cbc-evacuates-students-staff-after-fire-started-in-boarding-house","status":"publish","type":"school_article","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/school\/st-patricks-cbc-evacuates-students-staff-after-fire-started-in-boarding-house\/","title":{"rendered":"St Patrick’s CBC evacuates students, staff after fire started in boarding house"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Extensive damage has been caused to a historic building, built in 1888, on the premises of the St Patrick’s CBC Kimberley. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 48 learners and staff were efficiently and safely evacuated.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fire started around 23:20 on Monday, 5 May, in the boys’ section of the boarding house. Craig Neave, executive head at St Patrick’s CBC, said staff and learners were promptly relocated to the local Horseshoe Motel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Damaged
Part of the fire damage in the boarding house at the St Patrick’s CBC in Kimberley. Photos: Helena Barnard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He said the school is most grateful to the management of the Horseshoe Motel for making space available at such short notice.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the rush to evacuate the premises, the staff and learners were not able to take anything with them. This resulted in a great loss of personal property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This includes the matric farewell outfits of the matriculants, as the matric farewell was planned for this weekend, said Andries van der Merwe, head of communication at the school.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The fire started on the evening of Monday, 5 May. The students and staff were safely evacuated. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On Tuesday, the boarders and staff had been moved into appropriate, alternative accommodation very close to the school. It is unclear exactly what caused the fire, the school stated in a news release. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Kimberley fire services were immediately alerted. Unfortunately, their response was too slow to avoid the fire spreading,” the school stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support, prayers appreciated<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The St Patrick’s Board of Governors and management appreciate the wonderful support and prayers of the community, Neave concluded.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some donations of clothing, bedding, toiletries, food and cash have been made, which is helping the learners cope with the loss and trauma. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n