|
|
|
|
|
11 October 2024
|
Well-known guest house and conference centre damaged in fire, Bloemfontein
|
|
|
On Monday 14 October 2024, the main building of the Kopano Nokeng Lodge was destroyed in a fire. This well-known guest house and conference centre is situated approximately 13km outside Bloemfontein. It was an exceptionally hot day with a very high FDI. A small grass fire started in the veld opposite the lodge but was extinguished by members of the local neighbourhood watch and staff members of the lodge.
Shortly after the small grass fire was extinguished, at 11h40 it was noticed that the roof of main building was engulfed in flames. Emergency services were dispatched. ACSA's fire crew from the Bram Fischer Airport, which is in close proximity, arrived first on the scene in a fire engine. Mangaung Metro Fire Department dispatched three vehicles with a crew of 15 fire fighters.
Due to the layout of the terrain, fire engines could not be placed at the front of the building where the roof was engulfed in flames. Fire hoses had to be relayed from the back of the lodge to reach the front facade. Adjacent to the main building two other thatched roof premises had to be protected by firefighting crews.
The roof collapsed and the entire first floor was destroyed. At the time of the fire, guests were attending a conference in a neighbouring venue. Some of the guests lost personal possessions and two motor vehicles were damaged.
Source: Braam van Zyl, Mangaung Fire Department
Shortly after the small grass fire was extinguished, at 11h40 it was noticed that the roof of main building was engulfed in flames. Emergency services were dispatched. ACSA's fire crew from the Bram Fischer Airport, which is in close proximity, arrived first on the scene in a fire engine. Mangaung Metro Fire Department dispatched three vehicles with a crew of 15 fire fighters.
Due to the layout of the terrain, fire engines could not be placed at the front of the building where the roof was engulfed in flames. Fire hoses had to be relayed from the back of the lodge to reach the front facade. Adjacent to the main building two other thatched roof premises had to be protected by firefighting crews.
The roof collapsed and the entire first floor was destroyed. At the time of the fire, guests were attending a conference in a neighbouring venue. Some of the guests lost personal possessions and two motor vehicles were damaged.
Source: Braam van Zyl, Mangaung Fire Department
