'We are lucky to be alive'

WILDERNESS NEWS - "It's an absolute miracle that we are still alive today. We could both have fallen asleep and never have woken up." These were the words of Wilderness restaurateur, Claudio Nespola, after his house in Beacon Road was razed to the ground by an inferno a week ago, on Wednesday 7 July.

The cause of the fire that destroyed the home of Nespola and his wife Magda, could however not be confirmed by time of going to print. Fortunately they could escape the fire unharmed with their dog, Chino.

"We have forensic experts investigating the incident and should have an answer soon. We do not however expect any foul play," he told George Herald earlier this week.

According to Nespola he had fallen asleep while watching a football match on TV when his wife, who was also getting ready to go to bed, alerted him about a fire inside the house. "I immediately doused the flames and thought everything was under control - until I went outside and realised the entire house was engulfed in flames," he said.

The Nespolas managed to escape with only the clothes they were wearing. Fortunately their garage, where their cars were parked, could also be saved.

Nespola is the owner of one of the Garden Route's most popular restaurants, Pomodoro, in the heart of Wilderness, and apart from the obvious extreme discomfort that accompanies the incident, they are in good spirits and thankful to be alive.

"On behalf of myself and my wife, Magda, thank you to everyone for your prayers, well wishes and help. We are overwhelmed by the love and support from the Wilderness community and friends from all over the world. We feel humbled by all this love and caring. Human lives are more valuable than anything we have lost. Thank you each and everyone."

According to Johan Crouse of the George Fire Department, a member of the public reported the fire at approximately 22:31 on Wednesday evening. Upon their arrival at the scene the fire was already at an advanced stage. They started fighting the blaze, together with the Garden Route District Municipality fire services, but barely anything could be salvaged.

The remains of what was once a beautiful home on the hill in Wilderness.