fast-moving, terrifying Cape fire

The SPCA’s wildlife unit continues to find dead slower-moving species like tortoises and snakes, as well as other ground species like nesting birds burned in the blaze, but it was able to rescue a porcupine.

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trusted friends, wetting rooftops and stuffing downpipes with wet rags — practical tricks learnt from previous fires to prevent ember ignition.

“The smoke was insane. You couldn't see the end of the garden,” she said. “But I’ve learnt to remain calm because if you panic the breathing gets worse.”

For David Coates, whose family home lies near the forest’s edge and whose garden was burnt by embers from the fire, the decision to evacuate wasn’t taken lightly.

“It was very, very smoky through the night,” he said. “We stayed on Sunday night, but in hindsight it probably wasn’t the best idea. Still, a few of us staying meant we could manage the flare-ups.”

The fire reached within metres of his garden. Trees exploded on the slopes of Tokai Forest, scattering embers up to 300m away.