By Cathy Dippnall

A devastating week-long fire in the Hessequa area of the Eden district has destroyed property worth millions of rands on farms and a nature reserve.

Eden fire chief Annalize Lamprecht said the fire started on December 23 near Jongensfontein, causing considerable damage to Reins Nature Reserve before travelling towards Still Bay. The blaze was finally brought under control on Monday, but only after more than 200km² was laid waste.

Hessequa municipal manager Johan Jacobs said yesterday about 21000ha of Cape reed thatching grass and fynbos had been destroyed.

Precautionary measures were taken when the fire started, and about 100 people were evacuated overnight from Bitouville near Gouritsmond, as well as holidaymakers from the local caravan park.

Wildlife losses at Reins Nature Reserve were not known, but the entrance, offices and telephone lines were extensively damaged, said Jacobs.

He said most damage occurred on agricultural land which was used for growing Cape reed thatch and fynbos, which is exported for the floral arrangement market.

Source: The Herald