PREMIER ZILLE EXTENDS GRATITUDE FOR BIGGEST DISASTER RESCUE IN SA HISTORY
On behalf of the Western Cape government and all residents, Premier Helen Zille extends our deepest gratitude to all who have responded to the calls for assistance in areas severely affected by the recent cape storm and raging fires along the garden route.
For much of last week, Knysna, and other surrounding areas have been engulfed in devastating fires that saw the evacuation of at least 10 000 residents, many of whom lost their homes and possessions.
This was – according to disaster management officials – the biggest disaster rescue operation in South African history. The fires spanned at least 100 kilometres, and were bravely fought by a team of 1106 firefighters from the province and elsewhere.
As it stands, all major life threatening fires have been successfully brought under control.
Sadly, the devastating events in the Eden District saw the loss of 7 lives, including a brave firefighter Bradley Richards who sustained severe burns (70%) and failed to recover from the incident.