This story is being updated as it develops Scores of Knysna residents were forced to flee their homes on Wednesday night as fires fuelled by storm winds ripped through Western Cape coastal town. Western Cape local governance spokesman James-Brent Styan confirmed the evacuation by emergency services in the town of 77000 resident‚ but he could not immediately estimate how many people had been moved from their homes. In a statement Western Cape officials said Brenton‚ Belvedere‚ Welbedacht‚ Nania‚ Eastford‚ Green Pastures and Knysna Heights were evacuated. "The officials on the ground are monitoring the situation and will inform locals timeously if and when additional evacuations become necessary‚" the statement said. At least three people — a farmworker‚ his wife and their son — had died in fires in Rheenendalhad outside Knysna. “These are the worst fires I have seen in the 45 years I’ve lived in Knysna‚” said the town’s mayor‚ Eleanore Bouw-Spies. Firefighters responded to at least 2...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.