Eyewitnesses told the George Herald yesterday that three George fire engines arrived at around 03:45 with no water on board. They claim that at the time it was still a relatively small fire that could easily have been doused, but the blaze continued to engulf the former ZanziBar in Courtenay Street.
Barnard yesterday called the allegations hogwash. "Members of the public do not understand the procedures at the scene of a fire. The fire engines are checked every morning and evening. It is standard procedure to run for a hydrant at a scene. Should a truck run out of water during the operation, the water pump will seize." He also said when the firefighters arrived, the blaze was well under way.
The George Herald had gone to print before the official written response was received, but will publish the response online as well as in the next edition of the paper on 6 March.
The new would-be tenant of the famous 'train restaurant', formerly Hop Inn, Herman's and ZanziBar, was due to open its doors this Saturday 1 March as a gourmet burger bar, The Tin Horse - the brainchild of Kevin Appelgren, of Caloroso Cafe in Meade Street, and PJ Snyman, of La Rosa Blu at Rosenhof in the Hops Valley.
Appelgren yesterday said their entire investment in The Tin Horse is lost. "We rented the premises from the lease holder Boomerang and were yet to organise insurance. It is quite a financial blow, but the saddest part is that our vision for this amazing landmark has gone up in flames. We did extensive research and the old train coaches were part and parcel of the concept."
Appelgren is convinced the venue would have had broad appeal. "Ethical practice was at its very roots. The meat would have come from pasture raised cattle and we would have supported Blanco's vegetable gardens. Our staff would have been offered shares."
The police are investigating the cause of the fire, but do not suspect foul play. Many posts on the George Herald Facebook and web pages blamed 'bergies' and 'bosslapers' for accidentally starting the blaze. The east facing wall, windows and air conditioning of the adjacent George Museum were also damaged. The museum and the burnt out railway coaches belong to the department of public works and it is unlikely that they will replace the destroyed structure.
Applegren said the tragedy showed him what sense of community George has. "The emotional outpouring is amazing. Who knows, maybe The Tin Horse will still come to fruition. Maybe there is a backer out there who reads this article and believes that we can make it happen."
PHOTO GALLERY
Kelvin Appelgren, owner of Caloroso Cafe in Meade Street and The Tin Horse partner, is sad that their vision has been burnt to a cinder. As they were uninsured, they also suffered a substantial financial loss. Photo: Ilse Schoonraad
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Surreal... The inside view of one of the coaches after the fire. Photo: Keagan Badenhorst
ARTICLE: ILSE SCHOONRAAD, GEORGE HERALD EDITOR
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