Firefighters struggle to contain blaze in Knysna

It's been described as the largest and most destructive fire in the Western Cape town.  

"We're hoping we'll get aircraft mobile today - providing the wind dies down a bit. We're still in the same situation where the fire is out of control and and air is being negatively affected," he said.  

Around 10 000 residents who had been told to abandon everything they own and leave their homes. At least eight people have lost their lives. 

ALSO READ: No mass evacuation in Knysna

They've been taken to places of safety as emergency officials continue to tackle the flames. 

At one stage last night, firefighters were battling up to 26 separate blazes.

A residents, who was among thousands of people evacuated from their homes, says nothing could've prepared them for this.  

Hennie Bothma and  his wife were taken to a place of safety last night. 

Bothma has told Newswatch the flames were metres away from his home but when he went back this morning, he was relieved at what he saw. 

"I came back at 12h00 at night, there were some houses that burnt down on the opposite side of the street. It was difficult seeing what it was like. Everybody's just gathering their thoughts," he said.

Listen to the full bulletin below.