From just after midday today, Wednesday, 07 June, NSRI Knysna and NSRI Plettenberg Bay have been engaged in assisting the Eden District emergency services and Eden, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay Fire and Rescue Services at runaway fires that have engulfed the district from Sedgefield to Plettenberg Bay.
The picture attached gives an overview of the affected areas.
In multiple incidents involving the collective emergency services, Police, Fire Departments, ambulance services, NSRI, Disaster Risk Management, Traffic Services and members of the public to evacuate residents and animals from the fire that has been fuelled by strong winds and high temperatures.
Community Halls are full of residents where NSRI have assisted the Emergency Services to provide medical treatment and treatment provided to Fire Fighters battling the flames and assisting to fight the fire.
The NSRI Knysna sea rescue craft assisted to evacuate people from shoreline homes along the coastline and in the Knysna Lagoon where residents were cut off by fires.
In some cases NSRI and emergency services personnel were forced to evacuate their own homes.
Loss of property is reportedly extensive.
This is expected to go on through the night and thoughts are with all those engaged in helping at the fire. NSRI, emergency services, Traffic Departments, Disaster Risk Management, Fire Services and Police and the hundereds of members of the public that are helping.
Sadly loss of life has been reported.
