A fire at the Fish Hoek Squash Club, which left substantial damage to the roof of its bar area, may have been caused by a wooden beam located close to the chimney area where a braai fire was lit.
Earlier this year, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Vanessa Christensen, chair of the club, said the fire, which started on Tuesday 1 November, caused damage to the roof above the bar area.
“We did a full investigation and clean up the next morning and fortunately for us the fire was contained in the bar area with substantial damage to the roof.”
She added that the fire did not leave any major impact on the playing area which was re-opened to members by Wednesday 2 November.
According to Christensen, 40 to 50 club members were playing at the courts on the night of the fire.
“Eight teams of five, each arrived at the courts to play summer league matches.
“Summer league is played every Tuesday and Thursday and on Mondays and Thursdays, a group of members regularly play and braai afterwards.
“As is done on a social evening the fire was lit in the braai in the bar area.
“While everyone was still on the court a few people became aware of smoke in the club, which got thicker and thicker. Eventually, someone realised there was a fire up the chimney.”
One person suffered a minor injury when he allegedly tripped but there were no injuries due to fire or smoke inhalation.
“One of the members who does voluntary firefighting and police work immediately went to work with a fire extinguisher.
“Players were immediately evacuated out of the building through the emergency fire exit downstairs and fire services were called.
“According to the fire chief, there was a wooden beam next to the chimney which over time had been exposed to high heat slowly turning it to charcoal.
“Last night, it eventually started burning causing the fire up the chimney near the roof.”
The fire was fortunately contained in the bar area and due to quick action by a club member did not spread to the rest of the building.
“We have an emergency exit that helped with evacuation and which we can now use until the access gate at the main entrance has been rewired.
“There’s been no impact to the playing area so the club was open again for action last night (Wednesday).”
