A building on Kabalebolaan in Apoera was completely destroyed by fire on Friday morning. According to a Facebook post by the district commissioner of Kabalebo, the fire brigade was unable to respond because the fire engine had broken down. No water tanker was available either.
The fire engine reportedly broke down while firefighters from Washabo were on their way to an earlier report of a grass fire in the block of Koemboelaan and Obering. When the fire on Kabalebolaan was reported later, the crew was unable to carry out firefighting operations.
Rayon commander Humphrey Veira describes in the post how he stood helplessly at the fire at around 4:30 in the morning.
“Powerless, helpless, at a loss. That is how I watched the fire this morning at around half past four. A broken-down fire engine, no water tanker available,” Veira said.
According to the commander, the incident affected him deeply. “In my firefighting career, this is a painful moment: wanting to help, but having to watch helplessly.”
In the post, the district commissioner points to the lack of equipment for the fire brigade in the area. According to the post, requests have been made for some time for a water tanker, so that a larger water supply is available during fires.
In addition, the fire brigade urgently appeals to residents not to burn rubbish, leaves or grass. The continuing drought increases the risk of fire spreading rapidly, according to the post. Especially in strong winds, a small fire can develop into an uncontrollable blaze that threatens homes and other property.
The post provides no further information on the cause of the fire on Kabalebolaan, any victims or the extent of the damage.
