George fires narrowly avoid being action replay

NICOLA MILTZ

While the fires are now largely contained, he said, “the mountain is toasted”. Though the Outeniqua mountain range continues to smoulder, George is no longer as smoky, because wind has pushed back the fire. Towns along the Garden Route remain on high alert amid wildfires in the region.

Eight people lost their lives in the fire. More than 65 000 hectares of land have been burnt. Several homes have been destroyed, and many people surrounding George have been displaced. There has been widespread devastation of bush and vegetation.

A somewhat relieved Rabinowitz described the past few days: “George experienced a horseshoe of fire as flames came within metres of homes all around town. It was very scary, and touch and go at times.” He said some homes outside George had been gutted, and thousands of hectares of bush and vegetation had been reduced to ash.

At one stage, uncontrollable flames licked the edge of town, creating widespread fear. Residents had visions of last year’s devastating Knysna fires foremost in their thoughts.

The difference between this year’s fires and last year was that the fires remained largely in the mountains and bushy areas and did not reach the towns, Rabinowitz said.

“But there was the same feeling, the same fear, as you watched the fire literally touching the road, with gusts of wind pushing fire up into the air, and seeing blue-gum trees exploding before your eyes. That same fear grips you all over again.”

Donald Goldfain, the Chairperson of the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA) told the SA Jewish Report that it had been a very scary past few days.

“The first thing that strikes you is the speed at which the fire moves through the bush and scrub. It’s absolutely frightening. Everyone thinks they are going to have enough time, but you basically don’t. People were told to have a grab bag with their ID and other important documents at the ready.”

He said the alien vegetation often explodes from the heat, and if there is a strong wind, the embers fly about 200m in the air, landing in another patch of dry grass and causing yet another fire. It had been a challenging week, as strong winds hampered firefighters’ efforts to contain the wildfires.

“Make no mistake, it is very scary, and not to be underestimated.”

Goldfain, who is also Director of Community Services at the Rotary Club of George, has been working literally around the clock to organise logistics on the ground.

He said there had been overwhelming support from the community, and it had learnt a lot of lessons from last years’ and previous fires.

Those wishing to help were asked to donate funds to the WRRA, which he said went towards the George Soup Kitchen, a nongovernment organisation that is responsible for making food for those displaced.

“It can prepare up to 2 500 fully balanced nutritional meals at a time,” he said, pointing out that the NGO itemised what was needed, including the quantities of ingredients and other necessary items.

Over and above feeding the many displaced families, it was also preparing meals for the 300 to 500-strong firefighting brigade, many of whom came from surrounding towns. The community has also been asked to donate bottled water and energy drinks for the firefighters. And, there have been requests for things like lip ice, chocolate, energy bars, and rehydrate sachets.

Goldfain said that while life was continuing, “we are cognisant of the fact that the flames can jump well over 100m, land on a roof, and cause another fire”.

Rabinowitz said George’s Jewish community, made up largely of elderly residents, had spent the past few days indoors, and there were no reports of breathing difficulties. While George picks up the pieces, he said residents in certain areas were still jittery.

The Garden Route Disaster Management Centre is continuously monitoring and tracking fires in the Southern Cape, and ground teams are maintaining the perimeters of critical areas.

Said Rabinowitz, “You never get used to this. Fynbos is designed to burn. That’s the nature of it.”