GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The community of Rheenendal, just outside Knysna is today still battling with some sporadic fires after the onslaught of flames from Wednesday night, June 7 worsened by gale force winds.

Upon visiting the area this morning, Thursday June 8, two vehicles caught in the flames were seen, along with severe damage to trees along the road.

Clean-up was the order of the day with large trees and branches covering the road. Expansive parts of grazing was also engulfed by flames while livestock and other animals were moved to safety by good Samaritans.

A community member Fanie Bekker said that without the help of a handful of heroes the damage seen this morning would have been so much worse.

“It’s thanks to these volunteers working throughout the night that my house and that of others could be saved,” he said.

Journalist for the Knysna-Plett Herald Stefan Goosen was one of many residents in Rheenendal whose home was threatened by the furious fire.

Information indicated that he like other residents would surely lose his home, but upon finally reaching his home in Rheenendal this morning, a sigh of relief could be let out.

Currently information indicates that parts of the Homtini Pass just beyond Rheenedal is still being attended to, while parts of Highway West is also experiencing slight flare-ups.

More information to follow as it becomes available.

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