Members of the Board, Executive and staff of South African National Parks are deeply saddened at the passing of eight family members of retired SANParks staff who perished in the wildfires at Farleigh in the Wilderness.
“We extend our condolences to the family who has tragically lost loved ones in the fire and we will continue to support them in this trying time,” says Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Lize McCourt. Thirteen staff houses were burnt down in a staff settlement called Rooikraal and five staff houses in another settlement at Beervlei. In total, 75 people have been rendered homeless as a result of these fires and all are being accommodated by SANParks.
‘’We extend our gratitude to Acting Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mr Derek Hanekom who visited the Farleigh Forest site and met with victims of the fire,” says McCourt.
McCourt has commended members of staff who have been fighting the fire for their hard work as well as Honorary Rangers, and the various agencies that formed the Joint Operating Committees (JOC). She further extended her heartfelt gratitude to members of the public who have generously given donations to assist the families who have lost loved ones and are going to have to rebuild their lives.
Should members of the public wish to donate to the victims, we welcome non-perishables, clothes, blankets, pillows, shoes. Goods can be delivered at Ebb & Flow Rest Camp reception, Wilderness or the Knysna office on Thesen Island.
