Cosmo City Fire Department applauded for prompt response to fire alarm in Midrand

Kitty and Puppy Haven devastated by fire

MIDRAND – According to Berger more than three tons of dog food was destroyed in the fire and she is asking for assistance from the community.

Samantha Berger and Elijah who was one of the rescued dogs.

 A section of Kitty and Puppy Haven based in President Park, Midrand went up in flames in the early hours of 10 June.

The animal shelter’s Samantha Berger said CCTV footage showed that fire started between 5 and 6am. She added that staff started work at 8am so the affected animals were only able to receive help then.

A staff member Herman Potgieter (64) together with his wife Rianna and long-serving employee of 17 years Happiness Mabizela risked their lives freeing some of the animals which were in the burning kennels.

“Herman was sent to the hospital after he collapsed from smoke inhalation in one of the kennels while trying to take some of the dogs to safety,” said Berger.

Samantha Berger surveys the damage after a fire at the Kitty and Puppy Haven

Berger thanked three Metro police officers, Lufuno Madzhiga, John Aphane and Ester Molai, who saw the smoke and flames coming from within the property and immediately came in and started assisting the staff in putting out the fire.

“We were driving along Modderfontein Road when he saw smoke coming from the inside of the property,” said Madzhiga.

“We decided to do go inside and see what was happening so we could assist if need be.”

Berger added, “I would like to send a big thank you to the Cosmo City Fire Department which sent out a fire engine to assist us when we called because we were getting no response from the Midrand Fire Department, which eventually arrived about an hour after the Cosmo City fire engine.”

Samantha Berger and Rosemary who was rescued from the fire.

According to Berger more than three tons of dog food was destroyed in the fire and she is asking for assistance from the community.

“We would appreciate it if the community could donate building materials, or grant us donations towards rebuilding the destroyed dog kennels.”

Kitty and Puppy Haven's Samantha Berger looks at the tons of dog food that was destroyed in the fire.

Robert Mulaudzi of the City of Johannesburg Emergency Services has confirmed the incident and said no one was injured but some people were transported to a hospital for smoke inhalation.

Kitty and Puppy Haven's Samantha Berger inside one of the destroyed dog kennels
People are encouraged to visit the Kitty and Puppy Haven Facebook Page  for more details regarding donations.