KNYSNA NEWS - A devastating fire destroyed eight homes in the Nekkies neighbourhood on Thursday 11 June, leaving 20 people homeless. A resident, Thanduxolo Kobe, told the Knysna-Plett Herald that the fire broke out early in the morning. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but according to Kobe, the possibility it was caused by an electrical short-circuit could not be ruled out. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
"Luckily, some of the kids staying here already went to their schools and jobs at that time, otherwise it would have been an even bigger disaster," Kobe said.
“As soon I heard the noise, I got up and I saw people running around trying to put out the fire, but there were no water pumps nearby, which was very frustrating.
"Even though the Knysna Fire and Rescue Department responded within minutes, the wind played a big role in spreading the fire quickly.
"The fire brigade could have been here much earlier if it wasn't for the fact that some of the roads are inaccessible to drivers."
Another resident, Asanda Kobe, said he had been told about the fire after he had arrived at work. "I immediately asked for permission at my job to come home, after my wife phoned me. When I came here (scene of the fire), it was already too late. It is really sad that we lost everything, but we are also thankful that no one was hurt or died."
Possessions lost
Kobe confirmed that families had lost everything in the blaze, including a Toyota bakkie that went up in flames. The bakkie, albeit an older model, was in daily use, serving its owner well, but wasn't insured due its age. The Knysna municipality aided the victims on the day of the fire, providing them with food parcels, and ward 3 councillor Mncedisi.
Skosana and the chairperson of the housing portfolio, Kay Andrews, distributed blankets and mattresses to the affected families. The clean-up process has been completed, and the families are faced with restarting their lives from scratch. Anyone wanting to donate clothes, food, blankets and beds, can contact Thanduxolo Kobe at 060 456 3332.
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