Overstrand fire damages heritage sites

Ratelrivier homestead during renovation in 2009 / Harriet Deacon

In the Overstrand area there are a number of fascinating buildings dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, telling the story of early colonial settlement in the area. The Ratelrivier site was being refurbished for conference accommodation but has now sadly been severely damaged in a fire.

The fire has damaged income potential and tourism possibilities in an area which is already struggling with the fact that it is to be the site of a nuclear power plant.

Gutted cottage at Ratelrivier / Emmerentia de Kock from Agulhas NP.

Honorary Rangers Koos Swart and Eileen & Paul van Helden report on the course of the fire at Agulhas National Park, the damage caused and what this means for the future, for Wild Card Blog.

A fire on Buffelsjagt rubbish dump on 24 December 2009 was thought to be under control. Unfortunately, this fire flared up on Christmas Day and, fanned by a strong northwesterly wind, it developed and raged out of control, moving into Agulhas National Park property.

Late on Christmas Day the most westerly section of the park burnt but fortunately the homestead was saved. By the morning of 26 December the fire entered the Ratelrivier section of the park and, again fanned by extremely strong winds, spread further into the park…The historical Langhuis at Rietfontein, dating from the 1880’s, was gutted. Fortunately, the Ratelrivier manor house, dating from the same period, was saved – this mainly due to the recent installation of a roof sprinkler system. All other buildings were destroyed, including the historical stables and five old cottages.

Bergplaas, a homestead from the 1950’s, was partially damaged by fire and most of the outbuildings were destroyed. Various water supply tanks and piping were damaged, some irretrievably. Two private homesteads in the park were affected, and the house on one of the farms was also destroyed. Springfield Estate, a historical estate of which parts date from the early 1800’s, suffered minor damage, mainly due to the combined efforts of their staff, park personnel and local farmers.

Future impact
Rietfontein and Bergplaas were undergoing refurbishing to be let out as tourist accommodation in the park from April this year. Potential income that would have been generated has been lost.

The fencing that has been destroyed has created a major security risk and looters have already been seen in the park.

The germination of alien seeds after the fire poses a major risk if not controlled. Considerable investment in pesticides and people will be required.

The income generated from flower harvesting, harvesting of thatching reed and collection of firewood has been lost to the park.

The loss of these income sources is a major setback both to the park and local communities, since the park is an important employer in this region and employment opportunities have been lost or delayed.

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