Fire that destroys two houses in Matroosfontein may have started by 3 year old boy playing with matches

Two houses in Matroosfontein were severely damaged by fire during the early hours of the evening on Saturday, 18 August 2012.

Firefighters were called to No. 17 and 19 Xyris Way, Matroosfontein about 18:04 when a caller reported the incident.

At 18:13 upon arrival of the Fire & Rescue Services it was discovered that the two dwellings were engulfed in flames and the crews brought the fire under control.

The City’s disaster response teams assisted 6 persons (2 males and 4 females) at No. 17 Xyris Way and 11 other (4 males and 7 females) at No. 19 Xyris Way with food parcels, clothing and blankets that lost their personal belongings.

It is alleged that the fire was caused by a three (3) year old boy that was playing with matches.

The SAPS has opened an inquest to investigate the incident.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town


Source: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town