Situational analysis of the 2017 Knysna fires: Lessons learned report

Vulcan Wildfire Management was appointed by the Western Cape Directorate Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Services to launch a task force to analyse and document the June 2017 Knysna (Elandskraal Fire) and Plettenberg Bay (Kruisfontein Fire) wildfire incidents (also known as the Knysna Fires) and, thereafter, produce a comprehensive report with a summary of findings and recommendations.

This post-incident assessment aims to: outline key points that emerged during engagement with stakeholders, members of communities and public; document interviews, and offer comments and recommendations for reducing and avoiding future risk to the Western Cape Directorate Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Services, as well as all of those who live within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and are exposed to wildfire risk. The assessment approach consisted of inquiry, survey, observation, comparison and analysis of participant-provided information. Vulcan Wildfire Management relied on the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.