Home » Knysna Fire Update (Thursday 8 June)

Knysna Fire Update (Thursday 8 June)

After a devastating night in which many homes and other buildings have been burnt in raging fires in Knysna, some good news comes this morning from the Western Cape, as Working on Fire (WOF) report that the right flank of the Pezula Area, which ran the risk of jumping over to private property, is now […]

By SAPeople
08-06-17 08:39
in Eish!

After a devastating night in which many homes and other buildings have been burnt in raging fires in Knysna, some good news comes this morning from the Western Cape, as Working on Fire (WOF) report that the right flank of the Pezula Area, which ran the risk of jumping over to private property, is now secured. However, Eden District Municipality says not all fires are under control and winds are still fanning flames.

In a report at around 06h00 this morning, WOF says that at this stage the left flank is the main focus as the fire is running out of control in the Pezula Private Estate with houses set alight.

Currently crew from Working on Fire, Oudtshoorn Municipality, South African Defence Force and the Overstrand Municipality are in the area.

Focus areas are Pezula, Simola Upper Old Place, Noetzie, Knysna Heights and the Provincial Hospital (area surrounding the hospital is under control and still being monitored).

Firefighting crew have worked through the night. Just after midnight last night, WOF Western Cape General Manager, Shane Christian, reported: “We currently have 94 WOF firefighters on night shift, others at rest at a Base Camp in Knysna.

“By 10am tomorrow morning a new strategy will be developed taking into account the situation and possible aircraft to be deployed. Free State Teams will come in tomorrow evening to relieve WC teams.”

At around 03h30, WOF posted this video, taken in the Paradise area of Knysna, saying: “As the wind picks up, yet another house has burnt. Our condolences to the families who have lost their homes & loved ones.”

Colin Deiner, Chief Director of Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Services, says at least 150 structures have been destroyed at this stage.

A special facebook page set up for receiving messages from the area reported said this morning: “Folks, very little info is coming through as a result of cellular and landline outages. As soon as we have any relevant info to share, rest assured it will be shared here.
Also keep in mind that it will be quite a few hours before specifics of damage starts to filter through but we will try our best to keep updating as and when that info gets to us.”

Eden Disrict Municipality will hold a meeting at 8am, and issue updates soon after.

For Bitou medical related incidents please contact 0829905975 – NSRI will direct crew where needed.

Use the Bitou whatsapp line to update with any information: 063 196 4213

DONATIONS: Food, tea, coffee etc need to be dropped off at the NG Church Marine Way and Plett Primary. Other drop off point is at the Bitou Fire Station.

If you’re overseas, please help with fundraising.

Please Note: The below is an old photo from 2010:

https://twitter.com/The_Real_Goud/status/872674647732563968