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These shots where taken over the two days that the fires in Harkerville and Fisanthoek on the Garden Route burned and continue to burn.
Not being one to pass up the opportunity to be involved in the action, I shot off, camera in hand, to the nearest fire which was down the road at the Quarry near the N2. Even though this was by far the smallest fire going (there were four separate fires burning that day), it was still very hot, and flames were large. Whole pines, bluegums and wattle were exploding repeatedly. Through the efforts of the landowners and firefighters as well as repeated helicopter water bombing this area was brought under control.
Down in Fisanthoek however, the fire burned far more fiercely in the indigenous forest. I arrived at Southern Comfort Farm where a labourer's cottage closest to the forest was being evacuated. Helicopters were flying overhead in precise two-minute intervals dropping water. This briefly quelled the flames, allowing the bushbeaters to get in and beat the edges of the fire. Bulldozers were pushing the forest back onto itself to create fire breaks. Without this equipment the fight would have been far harder and far more dangerous. All the locals were there doing their bit and although the situation was dire, it was heartening to see how everyone got stuck in to help each other out.
Seeing firefighters in action is quite something. They have total confidence in what they are doing while surrounded completely by fire. The smoke and heat are so thick that there were many occasions when I had to duck and get close to the ground to avoid choking completely. How firefighters work for 16 hours each day (in 30 degree heat to start with) in protective gear, and hauling equipment through the thick forest is beyond me. They really do deserve a medal for doing this sort of work and hopefully these photos will give people an idea of what they have to deal with daily.
As of this morning, the heatwave continues, the water supply is very low and the fires continue to burn. Another huge fire has started at Phantom Pass in Knysna, which means resources will be further stretched.
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