Following a devastating fire at their home in the Bluff, residents Barbara Snyman and her husband better known as ‘Snakes’ Snyman, said they are feeling blessed at the support that they have been shown by their neighbours, family and friends who have come to their aid.
A fire tore through their home on Wednesday, 20 October, while they were both at work. “We received a call from one of our neighbours saying our house had gone up in flames,” Barbara said. An immediate rush of panic set in for the Snyman’s as they raced home to see what was happening at the house.
“The fire was still blazing when my husband got there and there was flurry of activity with the fire department on site trying to find a working fire hydrant. One truck was already working on dousing the blaze but that wasn’t enough. We looked on as they continued to work while our house and possessions went up in smoke. We weren’t allowed in for at least half an hour afterward while they demolished some of the walls.”
According to first responders, ALS Paramedics Medical Services, both eThekwini Fire Department and SAPS were on scene at the time of the incident. They also confirmed that the road had to closed off to traffic between Benjamin Road and Channel View Road while emergency services worked on putting out the fire.
At the time there were no reports of injuries. However, Barbara, a mother of two fur babies, confirmed that their two dogs did suffer some injuries. Barbara said they are devastated as she had hope that with a fire hydrant outside their home, they were safe in an emergency situation such as this only for firefighters to realise that it was not working.
“Everything has been burnt. The firefighters were on scene but the fire hydrant didn’t work. We had more than one water truck come by to try and stop the fire,” said Barbara.
She said, however, one good thing has come out of the situation. An emotional Snyman couldn’t express enough the love and support she has received from her communities. She said: “There are so many people that have come forward to help us and assist, we are overwhelmed and extremely blessed with the immense support we have that we have received from everyone. Thank you everyone, we truly appreciate the love and support.”
Since the day of the incident the community has rallied behind the couple as they work on rebuilding their home and lives.
According to first responders, ALS Paramedics Medical Services, both eThekwini Fire Department and SAPS were on scene at the time of the incident. They also confirmed that the road had to closed off to traffic between Benjamin Road and Channel View Road while emergency services worked on putting out the
fire.
At the time there were no reports of injuries. However, Barbara, a mother of two fur babies, confirmed that their two dogs did suffer some injuries. Barbara said they are devastated asshe had hope that with a fire hydrant outside their home, they were safe in an emergency situation such as this only for firefighters to realise that it was not working. “Everything has been burnt. The firefighters were on scene but the fire hydrant didn’t work. We had more than one water truck come by to try and stop the fire,” said Barbara.
She said, however, one good thing has come out of the situation. An emotional Snyman couldn’t express enough the love and support she has received from her communities. She
said: “There are so many people that have come forward to help us and assist, we are overwhelmed and extremely blessed with the immense support we have that we have received from everyone. Thank you everyone, we truly appreciate the love and support.”
Since the day of the incident the community has rallied behind the couple as they work on rebuilding their home and lives.
