Fire at old Woodstock Hospital displaces 16 people

Sixteen people were displaced after a fire broke out on Monday morning, May 19, at the old Woodstock Hospital. 

The City’s Fire and Rescue Services received the emergency call at 3.35am of a building alight in Mountain Road, Woodstock, said spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.

The building, dubbed Cissie Gool House, has been occupied by members of activist housing group Reclaim The City since 2017. 

Fire crews from Roeland Street, Sea Point, Salt River and Milnerton fire stations attended to the scene. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze at 7am and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

“The first floor was severely affected and a total of 16 people were displaced. The heroic efforts of the staff ensured that no one was injured and that the fire was quickly contained to minimize further damage to the structure,” said Mr Carelse. 

Reclaim The City and Ndifuna Ukwazi confirmed the fire in a joint media statement. 

“The flames were contained to one section of the building, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. However, several families have lost their homes. RTC has set up emergency accommodation in their communal halls. When the fire erupted, residents responded swiftly, applying fire safety training they received last year. We extend our deepest gratitude to the on-site security guards and the City’s emergency services for their rapid response, which ensured everyone’s safety,” the statement said. 

Elizabeth Daniels, who was affected by the fire, said she was asleep when someone came to knock on her door to say the place was on fire. 

“We all had to run out and when I came back in I was in shock to see there was no roof. The whole place was wet. I don’t even know where to begin to clean up,” she said.

Cissie Gool House leader Elaine Diedericks said they had set up the hall for the affected 16 persons to sleep in while clean up operations take place. She said the families were in need of food, blankets, mattresses and toiletries as all their belongings were wet.  

Mr Carelse said a building inspector had been requested to ascertain if the structural integrity had been compromised.

The future of the occupiers still hangs in the balance as the City's plans to sell the hospital for a mix of social housing and open-market development.

The Tatler reported on the City's plans which drew flak from the  Woodstock Residents’ Association and the occupiers earlier this year ("Hospital squatters protest against City plans," Tatler Thursday January 30). There are about 800 people currently occupying the hospital. 

To assist, contact Denver Arendse on 067 150 7143 or Ms Diedericks on 079 728 6513.