The fires in Knysna, Western Cape have left devastating damage to properties in the area as well as the surrounding landscape.

According to EWN, about 10 000 people have been evacuated from Knysna since the fire began.

Based on information from Knysna Tourism, Managing Director at Southern Africa 360, Collin Thaver reports that roughly 20 accommodation establishments in the area have been damaged or destroyed by the fire and are now closed.

Erika Costa, Product Manager at Giltedge, says properties that have burnt down include Phantom Forest Lodge, Bradach Manor, Kanonkop House, The Big Tree House Lodge and Four on Faure. The Kanonkop Guest House has not burnt down, but there is some damage, she says.

Knysna Hollow has also burnt down. In a statement, Brand Manager for Hollow Hotels, Clive Battell, said: “We regret to inform you that Knysna Hollow was completely destroyed in the fire and will not be in operation in the foreseeable future. We have no communications at the hotel at all at present and will be establishing telephone and e-mail lines off-site in the coming week”.

Costa adds that the elephants in Knysna are safe.

The Joint Association Members Meeting Sessions (Jamms) from within Cape Town, have coordinated assistance. “All four chairs had a conference call and agreed that we will assist an international tourist in need of assistance or help,” said Thaver.

An emergency number has also been set up. “Satsa’s partner, Satib, has made available an emergency number through Satib24: 1000 70230. This number is for medical emergencies and stranded tourists and will be coordinated by the Ops Centre at Pelican Lodge. Medical emergencies, passport/repatriation, missing people and trauma counselling can be provided.” says David Frost, CEO at Satsa.

Emergency contact details have also been made available for those in the Knysna area:

• Help and support from the industry can be channeled to Ian or Fiona from Pelican Lodge – 044 343 3283. They have setup an Ops Centre at the lodge. 
• For stranded clients, needing accommodation over the next 72 hours, call Sedgefield Tourism Offices on 044 343 2007.
• If there are any international tourists that are in need of help in the area or need assistance with accommodation, contact Ilze Jacobs, Safety and Security Officer of the Eden District Municipality on 082 9722 507.
• For further updates travellers can contact the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre on +2771 387 2962 or +2721 825 9815. There is also a Crisis Call Center available on 0861 728 4224.
• To confirm whether properties have been affected please contact Satsa Western Cape, Collin Thaver on 082 410 0553 or Satsa National, Hannelie du Toit on 083 600 3555.
• Crisis Call Center: 0861 728 4224
• Back-up Numbers: +27 82 347 8648

“South African Tourism is working very closely with Satsa, who have people on the ground in the affected areas who are assisting travellers and residents,” said Sisa Ntshona, CEO at SA Tourism.

“Our thoughts are with all the affected people at this time. We advise all travelers, both domestic and international, to please adhere to the warnings issued by emergency services,” said Ntshona.

The article has been updated since first published.