Stellenbosch on Fire
February 5th, 2009 by Dan Hugo
From mid afternoon I could smell the smoke, see the puffs form, and hear the un-playable wind pushing against the apartment block. Soon after visibility was down to a few 100 meters giving no insight into the damage caused behind towards Jonkershoek. Only as the sun set (the most exquisite sunset) were the flames visible through the think toxic air. I closed all windows early on, but somehow a fine layer has settled in every corner. Little compared to the sadness and enormity of the day. Stellenbosch, Coetzenburg, will never look the same. Trees that have stood for generations, that have formed a part of so many runs and rides, are done. I drove in about just now: How can something so destructive be so beautiful. I hope no homes were evacuated, although that would be totally believable. What would you have taken? What would I?
(Students driving on the rugby field to take a look and get a feel for the blaze)
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