Over 100 heroic Firefighters are currently fighting blazes as fires flare up in the Knysna area again.
Just last month, fires ravaged many areas in the Western and Eastern Cape, but it seems the winter dryness and wind are causing fires again.
‘Working on Fire’ reported that there are currently five ongoing fires in the Southern Cape area and that more than 100 firefighters from the Department of Environmental Affairs Working on Fire programme are active in Knysna, Blanco, Plettenberg Bay, Swartberg (Oudtshoorn) and Gouritsmond.
The focus areas currently in Knysna are Buffels Bay, Simola area and Groenvlei.
According to SCFPA Manager Charl Wade, “We’ve had wind changes every half hour which made it difficult for our ground and aerial crew to control the fire this morning. The fire situation looks good as the fires are contained.”
“We have two Choppers from SAVANAH that are assisting with flare ups with ground crew widely spread and mopping up areas burnt.”
Weather forecasts for the next very critical hours predict a South Easterly Wind from this afternoon with berg winds coming in tomorrow. The teams are working on keeping the fire contained.
“Ground Crew are committed to saving lives and protecting the environment.”
Pictures from the scene below:
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