3 Family Members Tragically Die as Terrible Fires Ravage Knysna Area, Western Cape

The Eden District Municipality has confirmed that tragically three people have died in the fire near Rheenendal settlement. The deceased were a farm worker, his wife and their son. There are several large fires raging on South Africa’s famous Garden Route, as gale force winds batter the region.

The Knysna Municipality has activated a local JOC at the Knysna Fire station in order to coordinate local incidents.

Knysna Municipality:

1. Various fires have been out of control. Fires at Hooggekraal (close to Rheenendal), Kruisfontein plantation (Next to N2 close to Nekkies)
2. Hooggekraal fire (Karatara)(also known as Elandskraal fire) – Sedgefield fire service on scene;
3. Fire Chief, Clinton Manual reports that the fire is out of control, 4 houses have burned down, and new WOF teams arrived at 12h00 to provide assistance;
4. Kruisfontein fire (Knysna) – Knysna fire and rescue deployed at this fire;
5. Fire Chief, Clinton Manual has reported that the wind is very strong and the fire is out of control, the fire is moving towards Plettenberg Bay. The N2 remains closed;
6. A local JOC has been established at the MTO Kruisfontein offices from where the fires are being dealt with;
7. The N2 remains closed outside Knysna, on route to Bitou. Traffic have been requested to travel along the Langkloof road as an alternative route from PE to Cape Town.

George Municipality:

George Municipality confirmed that the following incidents have arisen following high winds overnight:

1. Thirty two (32) informal structures have lost roofs.
2. Tree landed on 2 houses in New Dawn Park and 1 in Borcherds. George Fire Brigade is working on removing the trees and securing the houses.
3. George Fire Brigade has cut down and removed 12 trees that landed in roads around George.
4. Power outages are reported in Thembalethu, Wilderness Heights, Industrial area and Parkdene due to either trees on lines or wind damage.
5. Herolds Bay, Oubaai and Hansmoeskraal power restored.
6. Low voltage issues are being experienced in Rosemore, Heather Park.
7. George Fire Brigade is currently active at a veldt fire in Hoekwil, Serpentine Heights and another Touwsranten area. There are structures under threat, and the fire brigade is monitoring the wind.
8. A total of 26 fires have been dealt with by George Fire Brigade.

George Municipality has activated the Disaster Management Plan and requests the public to phone all emergencies through to 044 801 6300 available 24 hours and FIRE ONLY 044 801 6311.

De Hoop/ Kouga fire (Uniondale area) – Eden staff deployed at this fire.

Deon van Wyk reported that the fire is under control.
Eden Fire teams and Uniondale WOF team are monitoring the fire.

Ebb and Flow-Wildernis (also known as Serpentine fire) – George fire on scene.

Neels Barnard reported that the fire at Serpentine Heights is out of control, the fire has jumped the road and is burning towards a residential area. He requested assistance from Eden Fire and Rescue unfortunately only limited assistance could be given.

Mossel Bay Municipality:

1. Currently deployed at various fires, but no serious disruptions at this point in time;
2. Herbertsdale fire (Mossel Bay) – Eden Riversdale team as well as Mossel Bay on scene.
3. Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue Control Centre, it has been reported that it is burning in the valleys and teams cannot reach the fires. Mossel Bay fire is monitoring the Eskom lines on the R327.
4. Friemersheim – (Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue)
5. The fire has been contained and is being monitored.

Hessequa Municipality:

1. Kruisrivier fire (Hessequa) – Hessequa Fire and Rescue teams are on scene.
2. Phillip Wilkin has reported that the fire is under control there are however still open flames but are controlled.
3. Local farmers are assisting with tractors and water pump units.  

Kannaland Municipality:

1. Forty (40) people have been evacuated in areas where dwellings lost their roofs due to the gale force winds;
2. The Eden DMC will provide eighty (80) blankets to the affected people;
3. The Ladismith hospital reported that they were without water. According to Mr Hendrik Barnard, the Kannaland Municipality will tanker water to the Hospital.
4. Electricity disruptions have been reported, affecting mainly Ladismith. The two mobile generators will be made available from the Eden DM to assist Kannaland with the pumping of borehole water.

Donations Greatly Appreciated – Message from WOF

“We thank all public for the much-needed food and drink donations that are flooding in to the Fire Stations.

“Please may we ask that these goods be delivered to Metelerkamps across the road from the Knysna Fire Station, as our personel are too busy to accept and log the foodstuff arriving.

“These goods will be distributed to those fighting the numerous fires now raging in and around Greater Knysna.

“We thank all residents for their kindness and for keeping the affected in their thoughts.”

Important Message from Wildfire Volunteer Services:

• Please help by not becoming a statistic.
• Obey instructions from City officials and emergency services personnel.
• Avoid areas that have been cordoned off.
• Try not to travel if you don’t have to.
• If you have to travel, please make way for emergency vehicles.
• That once-in a lifetime photo may end up being just that.