Update
GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - A fire that had the potential to destroy Carpe Diem School was quickly contained in the early morning hours of Tuesday 6 February.
The school did however sustain major damage to its eastern wing, where two big classrooms and a number of smaller rooms and its contents were completely gutted.
Another classroom sustained water damage from firefighting efforts. The cause of the fire and the monetary value of the damage still have to be confirmed.
According to the school's headmaster, Elzeth Grobler, she was alerted about the fire by staff members of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) at about 03:20 and rushed to the school.
When she arrived, members of the George Fire Department were already dousing the fire.
"The building sustained huge damage, but we thank God that no one was injured during this traumatic event. I want to thank our neighbours, DCS, for alerting us of the fire and the George Fire Department for their amazing efforts and swift action to save our school. They are our heroes.
"We also thank George Herald for reaching out and the municipality and the community for their assistance," said Grobler.
The blaze caused major damage to the east wing of the school.
Bronagh Hammond of the Western Cape Department of Education conveyed their sympathies and said that although the damage to the school is devastating, they are grateful that the fire was extinguished before more damage was done.
"We would like to thank everyone who played a role in contributing towards the containment. We have yet to ascertain the causes of the fire," she said.
The school was closed on Tuesday and Wednesday so that the necessary safety measures could be put in place to accommodate the staff and learners safely on their return today.
District officials were at the school early on Tuesday morning to provide support.
The fire fighters from George Fire Department who saved the day are from the left in front; fire fighter Denzil Muller, junior firefighter Wilton Oktober, and acting platoon commander Johan Troskie.
Standing behind them are junior firefighters Buyiselwa Mbane and Richard Bruinders, station officer Johann Crouse, and fire fighter Louis Julies.
Nothing short of a miracle
On a site visit to the school after the fire, Grobler told George Herald about an incident that she describes as nothing short of a miracle.
In the midst of all the chaos, while the flames were engulfing the building and the firefighters were doing their utmost to extinguish the fire, a burnt piece of wood in the shape of a perfect cross, fell from the ceiling and landed in the walkway between the main building and the fire.
"This was the exact spot where the fire stopped. Exactly where the cross was lying on the ground," said Grobler.
She kept the cross and decided that it will be framed as a reminder of what happened that day and what they still have to be thankful for.
The art class was one of the classrooms that were destroyed in the blaze. Photo: Elzeth Grobler
Donations
The learners will be accommodated in other areas, but donations to help the school would be greatly appreciated.
As the art class was one of the buildings that was ruined, the school is in desperate need of art products such as paint, brushes, knitting needles, wool, beads, glue, glitter, aprons, plastic needles and yarn.
Other items such as stationery, puzzles, Lego, washing powder, towels, swimwear (ages 14-18), badminton equipment, and big tennis balls (25cm diameter) are also needed.
Any donations are welcome and can be dropped at the school in Lang Street, Bos en Dal between 08:00 and 14:00 daily.
Previous article with video: Major damage after fire at Carpe Diem School
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, 6 February, Carpe Diem School faced a great threat as flames tore through its eastern wing, putting the school’s very existence at risk. Photo: Kristy Kolberg
Two big classrooms and their contents in the eastern wing, as well as additional rooms, were destroyed. Photo: Kristy Kolberg
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