Cape Town - Disaster struck at two schools on Saturday, each sustaining extensive fire damage.
Bastion Primary School in Brackenfell and Villiersdorp Secondary School in the Overberg, each sounded their emergency alarms when the fires broke out.
On Saturday, residents, local and private safety crews as well as politicians stood together, trying to save one of their most-prized possessions in Villiersdorp.
Ten classrooms have since been damaged, affecting the learning environment of 385 pupils.
The fire that started at around 3.54pm on Saturday afternoon, took almost four hours to contain.
Villiersdorp community activist Raymond Uren said he was called about the fire and immediately went out, where he was met by a large crowd who were already trying to control the fire while waiting for emergency services.
“It’s a big setback for us as a community, educators and most importantly the learners of Villiersdorp and surrounding areas,” he said.
“The school has a deep history, it was built by mostly locals who were tradespeople and was built for the locals, so it was a very sad day for all of us.
“However, we trust that everything will be restored to its former glory, so that Villiersdorp Secondary can continue to build the future of tomorrow.”
Overberg District Emergency Services manager, Reinard Geldenhuys, confirmed an emergency unit was dispatched, but called for more resources on arrival.
“The building was well alight. Two more fire units from Grabouw and Caledon were dispatched as well as units from Villiersdorp Private Fire Service.
“Operations were focused on stopping the spread of the fire to the rest of the building,” he said.
“By 7.50pm the fire was under control with overhauling and cooling-down efforts continuing till midnight.”
Theewaterskloof Mayor Tienie Zimmermann said he was deeply saddened by the fire that devastated a large section of the school.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the school’s staff, learners, parents and the entire community during this difficult time.
“While the road ahead may be challenging, I believe in the strength of our community to overcome this setback together.
“We stand ready to assist where possible to ensure that the learners can continue their education with as little disruption as possible.”
At Bastion Primary, the fire was contained in the foyer and projection room thanks to staff, security companies and the fire department.
“No classrooms or offices were damaged, for which we are incredibly thankful,” the school reported.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Millicent Merton said the damage at Villiersdorp Secondary was being assessed.
“The district is looking at plans to accommodate the learners at neighbouring schools when school reopens.”
Merton confirmed that the fire was contained during the Bastion Primary incident and that no classrooms were damaged.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Cape Argus