Houses Lost in Structure Fires
The causes of the fires are not yet known, but they have gutted local communities. The first occurred on the morning of Friday 7 October.
Eight houses have been lost in two structure fires in the past two weeks, prompting Knysna Fire & Rescue Department’s chief fire officer, Ian Bezuidenhout, to urge caution to avoid future tragedies.
The causes of the fires are not yet known, but they have gutted local communities. The first occurred on the morning of Friday 7 October.
“Fire services responded to an emergency call in the Greenfields area,” said Municipal spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhoudt. “They confirmed seven timber structures were completely gutted and two partially destroyed. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.”
Several municipal departments visited the site to help in the mopping-up efforts, and the mayor, Aubrey Tsengwa, visited the area and affected residents.
The second fire occurred on Saturday 15 October. “Around 12:55, the Knysna Fire & Rescue Department responded to an emergency call in the vicinity of Concordia,” Bezuidenhoudt explained.
“Four fire engines with crews of seven firefighters were dispatched. A timber-and-brick structure and a vehicle were destroyed in the fire. Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire started in the timber section of the structure; however, the cause is still undetermined.”
Knysna chief fire officer Ian Bezuidenhout.
In the wake of the devastating fires, Knysna chief fire officer Ian Bezuidenhout called on residents to be aware of possible fire hazards in their homes.
“Possible hazards should be remedied immediately to avoid damage to property and loss of lives,” he urged.
“Avoid the use of substances such as flammable liquids to start fires; where paraffin is used, keep it away from children and ensure that it is locked in a well-ventilated store place; and do not leave cooking equipment unattended.”
Source: Knysnaplettherald
