The Bellville Civic Centre in Cape Town went up in flames during the early hours of Friday, 28 May – but the fire has since been contained.
City Fire Chief, Jermaine Carelse, confirmed that firefighters managed to successfully put the fire out before 8am on Friday.
Fire crews, including 35 staff members and nine firefighting appliances, including two hydraulic platforms, arrived at the scene in Bellville shortly after the blaze was reported.
It is alleged that a security company reported smoke issuing from the basement at 5.36am.
“The first arriving Officer from Belhar Fire requested additional resources as the fire has escalated to the roof section. The cause of the fire is unknown at this point,” said Carelse.
Videos of fire and smoke bellowing from the roof of the building has been widely shared on social media.
Carelse said the damages are concentrated to the under-stage and stage areas, and a section of the auditorium. The fire also caused substantial damage to the roof.
Clean up operations will begin when the building is deemed safe to do so.
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