Seven die in Knysna fires

SEVEN people including two toddlers and a baby were killed during the raging fires in Karatara in the Knysna municipal area yesterday.

“The Garden Route District Municipality’s heartfelt condolences and sympathy go out to those who lost their loved ones,” the municipality said.

At least three structures were destroyed and about 200 people had to be housed in a community hall.

The Knysna municipality said: “SANParks property has been damaged in Farley. SANParks is investigating the extent of the damage. The community hall is being used as the evacuation centre at this stage. The Red Cross is assisting. The fire is now spreading to Kraaibosch, teams have been dispatched to that area as well. Emergency teams remain on site.”

“Rheenendal FMUs (Fire Management Units) have been activated. Incident Command is being set up at the Karatara Fire Station. A reconnaissance flight is being undertaken to determine the priority use of resources.”

This came as the veld fires in George continued to spread rapidly with residents on the borders of the town being evacuated and the Conville Clinic operating 24 hours for minor injuries.

George Municipality spokesperson Chantal Edward Klose said: “One-hundred-and-eighty people were evacuated to the George Town Hall.”

Evacuations were called for the informal settlements in Blanco, Golden Valley and Step Aside, as well as in Barrie Road, Glenbarrie, Heatherlands and Glenbarrie full residential area.

“We’ve had some rain in George and the wind had died down,” said Klose.

Working on Fire (WoF) spokesperson, Lauren Howard said the Department of Environmental Affairs Working on Fire programme had 210 firefighters and supporting vehicles, a spotter plane, two Huey helicopters and two 802 air tractor bombers, working tirelessly to contain the George fire which has been burning for the past five days.