Investigation report: Knysna fire sparked by 'human activity'

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Investigation report: Knysna fire sparked by 'human activity'

15 August 2017 7:46 AM

The investigations into the cause of Knysna fires in June found that the fire was started by 'human activity' in the town's Elandskraal area.

Executive Mayor of Knysna, Eleanor Bouw-Spies says human activity does not necessarily mean the fires were deliberately started.

Read: Insurance companies to speedily deal with Knysna fire claims

Human activity does not mean anything malicious or arson.
— Eleanore Bouw-Spies, Executive Mayor of Knysna

We are currently looking at the evidence scientifically and it appears that it originated form Elandskraal but we are not saying that there's been any criminal acts.
— Eleanore Bouw-Spies, Executive Mayor of Knysna

Bouw-Spies says the municipality cannot say they are completely eliminating any possibility of arson but it is up to the South African police Service to make that determination.

The municipality is currently working closely with land owners as well as the fire departments to ensure that history does not repeat itself.

Read: Knysna Fire Report: Telltale signs of human activity at origin of fire

We believe now that preventing fires should be our priority seeing what has happened to us.
— Eleanore Bouw-Spies, Executive Mayor of Knysna

To hear the full interview, listen below:

Written by: Lengwadishang Ramphele

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