Miracle at Maitland Cemetery: Fire leaves crosses untouched

The City’s Fire and Rescue Services have confirmed a fire at Maitland Cemetery, which swept over grave sites but was quickly extinguished. Images on social media showed miraculously how the crosses on the graves remain untouched, with residents calling it a miracle and the hand of God.

“What a powerful God we serve, not one cross burnt out,” one woman wrote on Maitland Cemetery, Grave cleaners via Facebook. Another said: “I went to check this morning. I was amazed that the crosses still stand. The fire stopped just before it could reach my mom’s grave.”

"Just goes to show when they say holy ground, it means blessed ground; a powerful message to all,” another said.

The fire took place at Gate 5 and burials are continuing as normal following the incident. Firefighters were called to the cemetery on January 23, where they found that overgrown vegetation and the graves were burnt. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Images of the burnt graves were shared on social media, showing crosses and grounds that were torched. Jermaine Carelse, Fire Services spokesperson, explained: “The Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 5:55 pm on Friday, January 23, of a fire at the Maitland Cemetery.

"Fire crews that attended the incident confirmed this was overgrown vegetation on the grave sites and along the railway line. The fire was extinguished at 10:20 pm, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.”

Queries to the South African Police were diverted to fire and rescue services.

Maitland Cemetery Grave cleaners also released a statement: "We wish to inform the public and our valued clients that a fire occurred at Maitland Cemetery earlier today.

"The fire affected the section at gate 5 closest to the railway line. While the fire has now been safely extinguished and burials are continuing as scheduled, there has been visible damage to wooden crosses and wooden grave fences in this specific area.

"We understand that this news may be distressing for families who have loved ones interred in this section. We share in your concern for the sanctity of these resting places."

It further stated that the site is safe and fully operational and that the damage has been assessed.

"The damage appears limited to combustible materials (wood) near the railway boundary, "it added.

"As these events are beyond our control, we are sharing this information so that families can visit and assess their specific sites at their own convenience.

"Our thoughts are with the families affected by this unfortunate incident. We remain committed to maintaining the dignity of resting places and assisting our community during this time."

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