Kredouw olive estate near Prince Albert in the Klein Karoo suffered substantial damage to its olive groves recently when a fire, which according the Cape Nature was ‘under control’, reached the farm.
According to the owners of Kredouw, approximately 15% of the olive groves were destroyed by the fire and fruit on the surrounding trees was affected by the heat and smoke. The timing is tragic as the olive harvest season has just begun. Depending on the weather, the olives would have been ready for harvesting in the next few days or weeks. Irrigation is an important component in the management of the trees as the olives ripen but the fire has destroyed the irrigation system.
The fire had been burning some distance away the day before but they had been told it was under control. But within 24 hours it was on their doorstep. Everyone was evacuated apart from those that stayed behind to fight the fire. With no help from the fire station at Outdshoorn, which had no working fire trucks to send, and only a small water tank from Cape Nature every farm hand got involved in battling the fire using any bucket and hose that could be found.
Neighbours came to assist and eventually the fire was brought under control. Fortunately nobody was badly injured and although there was significant damage caused, it could have been worse. The priority now is to get the irrigation system repaired and determine which olives can still be used.
See more photos from the fire on our Facebook page.
Read more about the farm at the Kredouw website and follow the Kredouw Facebook page for updates.
When in Prince Albert, be sure to visit the Kredouw Virgin Shop.
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