On Saturday night December 14 2013, during the massive lightning storm Steve and Edith Ackerman’s Fourways home on Fisant Road, was struck by lightning. Neighbours across the road, who were hosting a Christmas Party heard the almighty crash and shortly after saw billowing smoke across the road. They went out to investigate and saw the thatch roof had been struck by lightning.
The Fire Department were called immediately as well as EMER-G-MED paramedics. The home owners were trying to get the pets out of the house, the dogs and as many cats that could be found at the time, were taken to the neighbour’s home for safe keeping.
By the time the Fire Department arrived on scene the house was almost fully engulfed in flames, firemen worked tirelessly for nearly four hours to put out the flames. A police reservist jumped over the wall and rescued two more cats and two rats. Fortunately all the pets were rescued from the home and unharmed.
The entire home and garage were destroyed by the fire; the only part that was not burned or damaged was the cottage and half of the main bedroom.
Steve, Edith and daughter Monique are in desperate need of any donations, MyJoburg were there on the night of the fire and would like to help raise funds and donations towards rebuilding the family’s home. It’s one of the worst things a family can go though, to lose their home and all their possessions especially so close to Christmas.
If you have any unwanted furniture, appliances, curtains, bedding, tables, chairs, building materials such as bricks, glass for windows, door frames, garage doors, security gates or tiles etc. please contact Edith on 083-230-0344.
Funds no matter how small can be donated to the following bank account:
Steve Ackerman FNB
Account No: 62343500577
Branch Code: 250655
Reference: Fire – MyJoburg Donation. (Please include your name; the family would like to be able to thank everyone for their support).
Edith and Steve would like to thank everyone for their support so far, Edith said neighbours and residents in the area have been fantastic with dropping off clothes, meals, offering help and assistance in any way they can. “Some days we get home to find a meal has been left for us. We are so grateful for the support at such a difficult time”, said Edith.
“I would also like to extend a huge thank you to the people who helped rescue my pets on the night and the family who kept them safe”, added Edith.
