Oudtshoorn, 02 May 2025 – Emergency services responded swiftly to a fire that broke out early this morning at the Allied Building, a six-storey structure in Oudtshoorn.
The fire was reported shortly before 06:00, and firefighters were on the scene promptly. Teams from Dysselsdorp Fire Unit, the South African National Defence Force, and various emergency disciplines were activated and deployed.
Although the fire has been extinguished, the building remains extremely hot. Fire crews have been divided to continue cooling operations inside the structure and assess any risk of structural movement.
Church Street, Hoog Street, and Baron van Rheede Street have been closed to ensure public safety while emergency operations continue.
The fire department works closely with the military and traffic authorities on site. Acting Fire Chief Mr Harold Le Kay is leading the coordinated response. Lekay said that there was no life loss and that the cause of the fire is not known at this moment. “At this stage, police will only be granted access to the building once structural engineers confirm it is safe to enter. Structural engineers, however, will only be able to enter the building once it is cooled down completely.”
Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn, Alderman Johan Allers, said that his heart goes out to the business owners and tenants who have suffered losses in the fire at the Allied Building. “I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to all emergency personnel, from firefighters and defence force members to traffic officers who responded swiftly and bravely to contain the fire. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.”