Knysna, the prettiest town in South Africa, will awake this morning to a different world, one of loss and ash on tongues. It is certain that this will be known as the Great Fire or something else of great importance. KNYSNA FIRE Last night, the old and young, wealthy retirees and the unemployed, found equality in survival and the sharing of stories. From Pezula to Karatara, from world renowned golf estates to farmlands, they gathered on Thesen Island. The shocked and brave became refugees in in the Turbine Boutique Hotel. Rules burnt like houses before them. Dogs barked in 5-star splendour whilst those with no money ate for free from the rich menu. Smokers would stand on the pool deck, watching a new fire grow from township to town. Chris the Manager, kept getting calls. “I can’t take 60 people, we’re already full… there’s people sleeping in the foyer and in the bar… yes, I know there’s nowhere to go… I don’t know where they’ll sleep but I’ll take 20.” The exhausted would fall asleep everywhere from uprights in chairs to the floors of the conference room, or in the spa, and, if they were lucky, in crowded bedrooms. For … ‘Click here to read full article…’