While we were there, we came across the Reflection Seedpod bench - a commemorative bench to honour the losses of life and properties in the 2017 Knysna fires.
It started on 7th June 2017 and raged out of control for days, seven people lost their lives and the fire destroyed between 700 and 1000 houses.
Statistics Source
There were calls across the country for all fire fighters nationwide to report and assist after a fire Code Red alert was sent out. Firefighters from many different agencies arrived with water bombers (helicopters and with bambi buckets) also trying to combat the inferno.
985 firefighting crew, 78 fire fighting vehicles (Fire Engines and Bakkies {pick ups} with Bakkie Sakkies {Water tanks} which we call Skid Units), 6 Oryx Helicopters from the South African Air Force 4 Working on Fire Firefighting Helicopters and 2 Fixed wing water bombers were deployed as the strike force. That is a huge resource contingent and yet the fire was uncontainable.
Statistics Source
Thousands of residents were evacuated and once the fire had been extinguished a massive relief drive was started. I can remember I was eight month pregnant with Lory when this happened and I felt so helpless to assist. I put together parcels of blankets, clothing, non-perishable food items and toiletries that I dropped off at the Milnerton Fire Department. I could see large piles of donations at the drop off point. All the fire departments were receiving donations and the response from across the country was immense.
The Reflection Seedpod bench consists of two semi circle benches, one named Reflection and one named Gratitude with a total of nine "blades" or "husks" that resemble the parts of an open seedpod.
The idea of a seedpod symbolizes regrowth and renewal after the devastation of fire.
Many of the plant species in Mountain Fynbos are known as fire dependent species which rely on fire cycles every 10 to 20 years and many of the seeds have fascinating symbiotic relationships with wildlife (especially mice and ants) that carry the seeds underground. This is often referred to as the seed store which can survive for decades underground. These seeds are "activated" to germinate by the heat of the fire and by chemicals in the smoke. When I was trying to grow Restio plants from seed, I made a fire using fynbos plants and I "smoked" the seeds before sowing them in trays. I had a fantastic germination rate after doing this.
The bench blades are sizeable - 4m tall and the circumference of the bench is 3m across.
Each blade was individually carved and they are different heights. Some of them have artistic elements of significance.
Blade 1, 2 and 3 have burn scarring of different degrees. The blade below is blade 2.
Blade 5 has been burned by electricity. This was a representation of lightning which was believed to possibly have been the cause of the fire.
Blade 8 has organic markings where there were holes in the wood.
Having been a wildfire firefighter for many years, I was humbled by the beauty captured in this bench and the symbolism behind it, especially the hope of renewal, regrowth and rebuilding after such a severe crisis.
Leisure Island was largely safe from the fire as it is surrounded by water on almost all sides. It became a safe haven for many residents that were evacuated and that lost their homes. There are some fires that you never forget and it was heart wrenching standing in that spot and thinking about what it must have felt like to be there at that fire.
Much respect to the Knysna community and people all around the country that rallied together to assist with the fire and the relief effort afterwards.
In reflection and gratitude.
I will remember!
Dedicated to and in memory of the 24 year old volunteer firefighter Bradley Richards - who lost his life while fighting the Knysna Fire.
All images are my own
