Fire leaves war vet homeless,
AN ELDERLY war veteran, his wife and grown-up grandchildren were left homeless after fire ripped through their house in the Küçük Kaymaklı area of Lefkoşa.
A paraffin heater had been taken outside to switch it off, when it came into contact with and set light to an armchair in the garden early on Thursday morning.
Özdemir Kefil, 84, his wife Ayten, 74, grandchildren Özdemir Kaptanoğlu, 25, and 23-year-old Reşat Kaptanoğlu fled the house safely, but could only watch helplessly as the blaze took hold and spread to the property, gutting it.
Firemen called to the scene on Çaldıran Yolu Sokak at about 3.30am contained the blaze within half an hour and managed to stop it affecting nearby properties. However the family’s furniture, electrical goods and five canisters of liquefied petroleum gas inside their home were destroyed.
Neighbours who also watched the inferno said they feared the family could be left on the streets at a time when chilly winter weather was setting in.
Mr Kefil, who lost an eye in the conflict of 1974, was presented just days ago with a war veteran’s medal.
Özdemir Kaptanoğlu, who has lived with his brother and grandparents since their mother passed away some 15 years ago, said the house had been in flames “in seconds”. He told Cyprus Today the Kefils were now living with their nephew in Dumlupınar, while he and his brother were staying at Özdemir’s fiancée’s house. He said the Civil Defence Organisation had offered a donation of food and Lefkoşa Mayor Mehmet Harmancı had called to express their sadness and offer help.
He said the family had not appealed for help but were open to offers, as they had “lost everything”. Anyone wishing to help can call 0533 824 0504 or 0533 841 3287.