The Simon’s Town home of award-winning filmmaker Craig Foster was reportedly gutted in a fire on Thursday 6 October.
Foster, who is co-founder of the Sea Change Project, is well known for his documentary My Octopus Teacher which won an Academy Award last year.
According to a statement released by Cape Medical Response (CMR) last week, the emergency medical service was called to a house on fire in Murdoch Valley, Simon’s Town, on Thursday morning.
“Today, 6 October, at 10:00, a Cape Medical Response ambulance was dispatched to a house on fire in Freesia Road, Murdoch Valley, Simon’s Town.
“CMR, police services and City of Cape Town fire and rescue responded to the call.
“CMR is happy to report that there were no injuries, and all residents were accounted for. CMR was on standby while the fire department extinguished the fire.”
Residents reacted to the news of the fire on social media.
Gudrun Scott Cleghorn said smoke could be seen as far as Fish Hoek on Thursday.
“I saw the emergency vehicles on their way and then the smoke from Fish Hoek. So sorry for the family.”
Veronica van der Merwe commented: “I can think of nothing worse, so sorry for the family concerned.”
Joni van Wyngaard wrote that the family was safe and that there had been no injuries, either to humans or animals.
“The owners of the house won an Oscar for My Octopus Teacher. No animals got hurt in the fire and they are both safe, thank goodness. There’s no report of any wildlife injured either.”
Community members offered to assist in any way they could.
Emma Eldridge wrote: “Oh my goodness, tell us if we can help with looking after dogs or anything.”
Carissa Meiring commented: “Devastating for the family, please share any other of their needs and drop off point so we can assist, sending them much love and prayers at this time.”
Bernadette Hechter wrote that they are “a wonderful family”.
People’s Post reached out to the family, Swati Thiyagarajan, Foster’s wife who is also a filmmaker and conservationist, said they were grateful for the community support.
“We are very grateful for the support from the community.
“Our neighbours, friends and family have all been amazing and generous. So that is the blessing.”
