Eight people have perished in the fire burning out of control in Karatara – situated between Knysna and George. The death toll a few hours ago was four but escalated to 8 as the fire ripped through the area.
Police official, Captain Malcolm Pojie, told News 24 a pregnant woman was among those killed. At 6pm, it was reported that one adult, two toddlers and a baby had died due to the raging fire.
The blaze in the Vermaaklikheid area has been burning since the previous Sunday – effectively, this means firefighters have been battling to bring the Garden Route fire under control for 8 days.
Residents in the affected areas have been evacuated for their safety, and the Outeniqua Pass has been closed. Emergency services in the area have warned locals and travelers to take extra precaution.
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Shit got real. #Georgefire #fires #wildfire #Gardenroute #gardenroutefires #GeorgeFires #evacuate
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And the mountains still burn. The Outeniqua Mountains at George in the Western Cape. #GeorgeFires
Pictures: Instagram and @passportadventure.za
