Flames rapidly reached Kopano Nokeng Lodge from across the road, destroying the first floor, while the ground floor sustained severe water damage.

Earlier Monday morning lodge personnel were allegedly sent out to assist with the veld fire, but when they returned they realised the lodge’s roof had caught fire.

“The fire spread quickly and we received a call around 11:00, before we got here, ACSA had already sent out a fire truck which assisted with putting out the fire on the roof,” said Mangaung Fire and Rescue Chief Officer Braam van Zyl.

“One individual was taken away by a private ambulance and has been hospitalised. At this stage, the fire is under control.”

The neighboring buildings in the lodge are also thatched roofs and our priority at this stage is to protect them as most are used for conferences, offices, and sleeping quarters, he said.

The lodge is 4km from Bram Fischer International Airport and is mostly used for weekend getaways, conferences, product launches, workshops, and weddings.

The fire could be seen from across the road from the lodge. Photo supplied

OFM News previously reported that as the fire season intensifies, Free State authorities urge residents to take all necessary precautions to prevent further tragedies.

The Free State Agriculture MEC Elizabeth Rockman issued a warning and urged residents to exercise caution during the current fire season, which is expected to last until the end of October.

Last year, Free State farmers suffered significant losses after the SPCA had to euthanise more than 150 animals that were severely burned in wildfires. The Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve in Clarens was also heavily impacted by veld fires.

The lodge owner had already left when OFM News got to the lodge.

 OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh