Mikeva fire: 40% of building saved

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Despite the massive fire at Mikeva Hyper in Mossel Bay on Tuesday, 27 May, 40% of the building was saved.

This is according to a report shared with Mossel Bay Advertiser by Chief Fire Officer Joseph Johnston. Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management teams responded to the fire within minutes of the blaze being reported.

Johnston said: "With stunning efforts from the fire crews, 40% of the building was saved, including the saving of the liquor shop next to the wholesaler. If it burnt, it could have posed other challenges to the crews, due to the flammability of the alcoholic beverages."

According to Johnston and Mossel Bay Municipality, the fire was contained by 12:00 and brought under control by 14:00 that Tuesday. By 15:00 on Thursday, 29 May, all emergency services had left the premises.

However, despite these successes, challenges were faced at the store.

"Due to the high shelving and vast amounts of stock and packaging, it was consumed by fire at a rapid rate," said Johnston.

Additional responders to the scene included PetroSA, which sent a fire tanker and crew, as well as the police, Metro Rescue, By Grace Emergency Medical Services, Emerge Emergency Medical Services, Frontier Medix, municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement staff and the Emergency Volunteer Chaplaincy Services.