Damage to Paterson store set at R10m
THE Paterson branch of the Boere Koöperasie Beperk (BKB) was gutted by fire yesterday shortly after a break-in at the premises.
The damage is estimated at about R10-million. Police are investigating a possible case of arson.
Sales clerk Gerrie Ferreira rushed to the scene at 4am after he was alerted by neighbours.
“I did not know what to think at that point,” he said, his eyes bloodshot and watering from exhaustion and smoke.
“I rushed to the scene, phoning the police and fire department on the way, and only realised how serious the situation was when I got there.
“The fire seemed to have started at the back of the building, but quickly spread through the whole place.
“I could do nothing but stand outside and watch as Paterson’s fire fighters, with their small fire truck, battled the blaze.
“By the time the bigger fire truck came from the Sundays River Valley, around 6am, there was little left of the shop to save.
“I have worked here for 17 years, and I felt so helpless. It was heartbreaking to watch this place burn like that,” Ferreira said.
Most of the roof collapsed into the shop, making a large part of the building inaccessible, while a section of the back wall was blown out, presumably by a gas bottle that exploded.
Destroyed electricity generators, shelves and various tools and farming implements were strewn across the blackened floor.
Police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender said the burglars had entered through a section of the roof they had cut open.
“A safe inside one of the offices had been broken open,” she said.
“Exactly how the fire started is still unclear, but forensic investigators are looking into various possibilities.
“The building was extensively damaged by exploding gas bottles inside.”
BKB regional manager Frikkie Mulder said it was not surprising that the fire had spread quickly as the cooperative sold chemicals, fertilisers, clothing and a number of flammable items that could have fuelled the blaze.
“At this point, we do not want to speculate how the fire started, but the damage could easily go well over R10-million,” he said.
“Luckily, the fire was brought under control before spreading to the other storerooms, diesel pumps and gas storage facilities.”
Mulder said the store would be fully operational before the end of the week, as other buildings on the premises were available and their stock would be replenished within a few days.
-Riaan Marais
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