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24 March 2023
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Fire breaks out at Free State Premier’s official residence in Bloemfontein
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Free State House, the premier's official residence of the Free State premier in Bloemfontein, caught fire on Thursday, 23 March 2023, is on fire. The Free State Government released a short statement in which it states that is investigating the cause of fire at the official residence of Premier Mxolisi Dukwana. Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services responded after the call was received from the SAPS at 09h48. A spokesperson for Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services said, “A fire engine and water tanker responded from Central Fire Station and was on scene within seven minutes. They immediately asked for backup. An aerial appliance and a second water tanker from Central Fire Station turned out as well as a full crew and fire engine from the Erlich Park Fire Station.”
“When the teams arrived on site, the fire was already at an advanced stage on the roof of the double storey house. The fire spread rapidly, leading to the collapse of the first floor's roof. The rood collapsed on the top floor. The crews knocked the fire out on the top floor and collapsed roof preventing spread to the ground floor,” said the spokesperson.
“There was a lot of water damage on the ground floor though. One of the challenges was the water pressure as the property is situated on a hill so crews reverted to using the swimming pool water. The fire was extinguished within two hours. The cause of the fire is not known as yet.”
Premier Dukwana's spokesperson, Sello Dithebe said that no one has been injured in the fire. “The main house caught fire. The Police are on site and further updates will be issued later.”
Dukwana was sworn in as premier a month ago after the forced resignation of Sisi Ntombela, who had been recalled by the ANC provincial executive committee due in part to poor service delivery.
Sources: Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services
“When the teams arrived on site, the fire was already at an advanced stage on the roof of the double storey house. The fire spread rapidly, leading to the collapse of the first floor's roof. The rood collapsed on the top floor. The crews knocked the fire out on the top floor and collapsed roof preventing spread to the ground floor,” said the spokesperson.
“There was a lot of water damage on the ground floor though. One of the challenges was the water pressure as the property is situated on a hill so crews reverted to using the swimming pool water. The fire was extinguished within two hours. The cause of the fire is not known as yet.”
Premier Dukwana's spokesperson, Sello Dithebe said that no one has been injured in the fire. “The main house caught fire. The Police are on site and further updates will be issued later.”
Dukwana was sworn in as premier a month ago after the forced resignation of Sisi Ntombela, who had been recalled by the ANC provincial executive committee due in part to poor service delivery.
Sources: Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services
