Wildfires force Garden Route evacuations

People have been evacuated from their homes due to fierce wildfires which have broke out in parts of Knysna on the tourist Garden Route in South Africa.

Emergency services continue to work around the clock to contain the fires which followed severe weather conditions in the Western Cape region.

South African Tourism said it was closely monitoring the progress of the wildfires.

Additional fire-fighting resources have been deployed to the area to assist the teams on the ground.

These include eight fire trucks from Cape Town, two from the Overberg district and 12 additional fire teams.

While some areas in the town have already been evacuated, there is currently no call for a mass evacuation of the entire Knysna area, according to the tourist office.

South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona, said: “Our thoughts are with all the affected people at this time.

“We advise all travellers, both domestic and international, to please adhere to the warnings issued by emergency services.

“South African Tourism is working very closely with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), who have people on the ground in the affected areas who are assisting travellers and residents.”

Areas that have been evacuated are:

• Brenton • Belvedere • Welbedacht • Nania • Eastford • Green Pastures • Knysna Heights