Communities devastated by raging inferno

THE fires that raged through Nelson Mandela Bay’s western regions from late last week have left extensive scars on its once-picturesque landscape as well as deep scars on the scores of rural families who battled fires for hours defending their lives, their properties and their community.

Smoke, mostly from smouldering vegetation, was rising from scores of areas across the greater region yesterday.

Homes in Port Elizabeth’s scenic Skoenmakerskop village and the neighbouring Sardinia Bay area were fortunate to escape damage, with the fires stopping within metres of houses in some places when fires first broke out there on Wednesday.

Manda and Charles Newby, who have two houses at the end of the village, said they had been forced to fight the fire with water from their swimming pool.

“It was a terrible fire. The firefighters were, however, very good and helped to save our homes.

“We also believe the fact that the wind changed direction played a big part in stopping the fire from spreading more.”

Sacramento Restaurant owner Nadia Hoskin said she was relieved that the fire had been brought under control. “This could have been devastating,” she said. Homes situated at the foot of Lady Slipper near the Van Stadens Gorge – and opposite Woodridge College which was badly damaged – bore the brunt of the fire damage.

Three homes were razed and several other structures, as well as farmland and infrastructure such as telephone lines, were extensively damaged.

While most of the damage was caused when the fires broke out late on Wednesday, repeated flare-ups and the high-speed winds which ripped through the area on Saturday exacerbated the situation.

The strong wind tore a huge section of roof from one house which had been untouched by the fires.

Residents from the Nelson Mandela Bay region and outlying towns rallied together and helped amass a huge volume of food, clothing, nappies, beverages and other items, which are being distributed among the affected residents.

Speaking from their parkrun Donation Centre near Fitches Corner, parkrun representatives Cindi and Craig Bester – who were yesterday still coordinating the collection of items donated from other parkrun areas such as St Francis Bay, said they were assisting three families who were among the worst affected in that area.

“Their homes, vehicles and belongings were completely destroyed,” Cindi said.

“The community has been unbelievable – we have received huge donations of everything from food to shoes for kids. The response has been amazing.”

Closer to the gorge, municipal employee Danny Wine said he and his family had been evacuated from their home as the blaze ripped down the side of Lady Slipper.

“It was terrifying. Everyone was scrambling to clear areas around their homes and put out the fires,” he said. “It came from the west and jumped clear over the gorge. It was really frightening.

“The people at the relief [parkrun] centre brought dog food and other items we needed. The community really got together to help. His home escaped unscathed. Theresa Lindholm and her husband Monray, who had opted not to be evacuated last week, saved the house but lost their means of income.

“It was really scary. We and our children fought the fires around our house,” Theresa said.

“My husband chops wood for a living and looks after our sheep, while I grow herbs and vegetables.

“We lost all of the vegetables and herbs and all of the grazing for the animals has gone. If we had not stayed though, we would have lost our house.”