Historic home saved
2007-09-13
A WELL reinforced thatched roof saved a historic farmhouse dating from the 18th century from certain destruction, when a fire started in the house.
The incident occurred last Thursday evening at 22:45 at the lavish guest farm, Palmiet Valley Estate, in Klein Drakenstein.
Farm manager Wynand Haasbroek said that the fire started in an attic guestroom of the manor-house, which was built in 1754.
“It was more of a smouldering fire than actual flames, and we are convinced that this is due to the excellent fire-retarding system which we have in place.
“There is a drenching system in the roof which has a fire sensor and between the reed is a cloth which is fire-resistant.
“The dry wall is also treated with a solution which deters fire.
“If it was not for this, the historic house would have been burnt to the ground.”
Haasbroek praised the efforts of the fire department who arrived at the scene within ten minutes of the emergency call.
The most damage which was done to the house, was due to water from the sprinkler system which drained into the clay walls.
One of the inner walls collapsed, while an outer wall had to be held up with scaffolding until repairs could begin.
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