Forensic investigator says Knysna fires started by lightning strike
David Klatzow’s report into the cause of the Knysna fires differed greatly from the report released last week by Knysna fire chief Clinton Manual. Manual said the fires were a result of human activity. However‚ Klatzow‚ said the fire was sparked by a lightning strike in an indigenous forest in the Elandskraal area on April 12. The fire smoldered for several weeks in a portion of the forest until strong winds and hot air eventually fuelled the embers to cause a bigger blaze on June 7‚ according to Klatzow. The forensic investigator said there were several reasons why Manual’s report was incorrect. Among them was that he had misquoted the position of the smoldering fire. Klatzow also said Manual further misquoted statements from witnesses and was wrong in his notion that smoldering combustion could not have received enough fuel to have develop. “The other thing is‚ one should never do an investigation where [one is] involved‚” said Klatzow‚ as this would result in a lack of credibilit...
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.