Tag Archives: fire

Great Knysna Fire documentary report to Western Cape Government

Mike Hampton Posted on by

This Great Knysna Fire documentary is produced by Vulcan Wildfire Management as part of their report to the Western Cape Government. Vulcan Wildfire Management: “On the 7th of June 2020, two fires erupted and impacted the people of the Elandskraal, Belvidere, Brenton-on-Sea, Brenton-on-Lake, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in ways they could never have imagined. Eight people lost their lives. We must learn these lessons…” THE KNYSNA FIRE VIDEOS BELOW ARE: Introduction (2020) Chapter 1: Initial Response Chapter 2: Home Ignitions Chapter 3: Communication Chapter 4: Evacuation Chapter 5: Incident Report … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Impact of Humans & Environment on Forest Distribution in Southern Cape

Mike Hampton Posted on by

This is a summary/introduction to Ryno Joubert’s article ‘The Impact of Humans & Environment on Forest Distribution in the Southern Cape’. According to studies, forests are found in areas that receive annual rainfall ranging between 525 mm and 1220 mm. If you look at the southern Cape forests, it can be noted that there is no relationship between rainfall and the distribution of forests in the area. This suggests, to some people, that humans changed the area through over-exploitation. It has been suggested that much of the forested area from … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Fire Engines Like Fireflies

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Who remembers when the West Head of Knysna was on fire in December 2009? Awful photos with my cheap cellphone, taken from the hill above Knysna Tourism, but i kept them to remind me of the ironic beauty of destruction. The situation demanded a better view so we drove into town. The distant fire danced, better than any decoration, above the christmas tree at the Knysna Waterfront. But we wanted to be closer… On Thesen Islands, next to SANParks, waves of heat rolled at us, across the Knysna Estuary that … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna Firefighter’s Braai for Public Decency

Mike Hampton Posted on by

History books will record the Great Fire of Knysna. Readers will be disappointed when they reach the chapter about the firefighter’s braai. A traumatised and very thankful public was told by Knysna Municipality that it wasn’t allowed to hold a braai for the brave firefighters who saved their town, that it was against regulations, that the firefighters couldn’t receive payment from citizens. Many pointed out the contradiction of the Knysna Municipality asking for donations of food whilst the fire was happening. That fact wasn’t addressed whereas the banning of the … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Our Great Knysna Fire!

Mike Hampton Posted on by

OUR GREAT KNYSNA FIRE: Just got home. Ash everywhere but relieved that home still here. Battling with asthma and, like many of you, worried about friends. This is our moment to put all divisions aside and be ONE TOWN. Let’s put Knysna first. If anyone can help with information, please post on the Love Knysna Facebook or any Facebook. Last i heard, fires were as widespread as Karatara and Kranshoek, the flames closing the N2 both sides of Knysna, isolating us. The Rheenendal fire jumped across the highway, causing Belvidere … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Warning: Major Knysna Disaster Stopped By Fire Services

Mike Hampton Posted on by

On the first day of summer, Knysna was on fire in the forest area near Bongani. The day before, it looked as if the dump site between Upper Olde Place and Bongani was on fire AGAIN. It’s possible that spread. Surrounding suburbs were covered in smoke that could easily have been mistaken for a massive cloud. Hope all are safe and that TB and asthma sufferers were wise enough to move out of the area. KUDOS to our Fire Services for preventing what could have been Knysna’s worst disaster. BIG … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Smutsville Fire Victims Get Replacement Homes

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Knysna Municipality officially handed over 16 replacement homes in Beverly Hills, Smutsville on Tuesday, 4 October. These structures replaced the homes lost in a devastating fire on July 22. Although the families have already been living in the homes for some time now, the municipality hosted a ceremony to officially hand the new homes and other community donated items to the families. Following the fire that left 22 families homeless, the municipality immediately treated the matter with urgency. The families were provisionally housed in the Smutsville Community Hall, and … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

House Burns, Cars Explode in Knysna

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The photo clearly shows the sad aftermath of the fire in Campbell Drive in Knysna Heights on the night of May 6. Both cars in the garage exploded, starting a fire that quickly subsumed the house. The fire may have been caused by a power surge after load shedding. The house is owned by Elaine Young who owns Hair By Elaine in Grey Street.

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The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!