EWN reports that a firefighter has died while battling runaway fires in the Southern Cape after sustaining burns to 70% of his body.  This brings to five the total number of fatalities as a result of the fire.  

The Local Government Department's James-Brent Styan confirmed the rise in the death toll and indicated that another firefighter was receiving medical attention.  He stated:  “Another firefighter has burn wounds of 50%.  We are thinking about these firefighters and their families.  We also think of all the firefighters in the fire line.”  The blaze broke out earlier this week, engulfing much of Knysna and its surrounding areas.

• A short report by Mia Lindeque & Shamiela Fisher is at EWN
• See too, Knysna fire contained, firefighter dies, at News24

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page