After effects of a huge fire.

We had a severe fire here in the mountains and hundreds of hectares were destroyed.

280 hectares lost and the amazing thing is that we saw the fire starting. I took the photo above on the 8th of June.
We noticed the smoke and went to a farm close by to have a look what it was. So for the next four days I took some pictures of the fire every day.
We have a heap of fires in the area every year and our experienced fire-fighters have to face some very dangerous situations at times.
Especially where properties and life are in danger and for instance in this fire 5 houses were destroyed. Thankfully no human lives were lost, but hundreds of little animals couldn't beat the odds.

09 June.

10 June.

11 June.

12 June.

And here was the view of the sun on a road in the town.

Now to show you some photos of the aftermath.

This was the view before the fire and we as members of the nature reserve visited on a regular basis. At the right hand side of the dam were many large and beautiful Protea flower bushes and the Protea is also South Africa's natural flower.

All gone as you can see below and destruction all over the place.

This was our entrance at that little footpath at the right.

New life has already started as there were some geese with babies next to the water duct. The grass has also started growing again and this is how life progresses.
Many people ask why South Africans are so tough, but we learn the lessons of nature, as after a fall we simply get up, dust ourselves off, and get going again.

Two little mating dragonflies below on a burnt out dam.

Here is another before and after.
Before.

After.

The good thing about the fire, is that the termite heaps become ovens and they will provide a temporary relief from the termites, but they will also soon be back again.

Marian stood here on the walkway surrounding the dam, and by now you know that most of the walkway was gone.

This is the walkway now, but it will soon be restored.

So this Spring, I will have no Sugarbirds to post for photos on the Protea flowers, but by next Spring 2023 they will be sure to be back.

South Africa has hundreds of fires every year and although the fires in nature will always be restored due to natural growth, the fires in the townships where at times 600 homes are destroyed, are the more dangerous ones. Residents have learnt to vacate immediately, but in some sad cases many old people and small children perish in the fires. The shacks in the townships are built very close to each other, and it only takes for one shack to catch alight late night for an entire township to be destroyed.

Most of the people in the shacks are unemployed, and they cannot afford bigger ground, so the townships are springing up all over the place. Built by people that migrate into the province in their hopes and search for employment. They are prepared to live in horrid conditions, and to face the odds in their desperate search for a better life. Houses are being built by the government for the masses, but it is a never ending battle of a continual inflow that simply cannot be overcome.

Such is life here, and I hope that you have enjoyed the photos.

And That's All Friends.

Photos by Zac Smith-All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon Powershot SX70HS Bridge camera.

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