[GALLERY] A look back at the full picture of the Knysna fires, one year on
The Knysna community is gradually picking up the pieces, one year after the devastating fires that crippled the Garden Route town.
Seven people were killed and more than 1 000 homes destroyed.
Knysna resident Adrian Egerty was one of the first people CapeTalk spoke to about the fire which claimed his home.
LISTEN: Resident describes #KnysnaFire that razed his house to the ground
Egerty says the area is looking much better than it did a year ago and has rebuilt several homes in Knysna Heights.
The houses are starting to pop up, the greenery is around. It's looking much better than it did a year ago.
Adrian Egerty, Knysna local
Everyone is in great spirits... The new houses are much more modern.
Adrian Egerty, Knysna local
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille started a Garden Route rebuild project in a bid to pick up the local economy.
At least 151 local businesses were affected and a total of 47 destroyed in the blaze.
Crowd-funding campaigns were initiated to help the displaced survivors and raised over R250 000.
WATCH: Rows of houses destroyed by #KnysnaFire
Among those who died in the blaze were volunteer firefighters Bradley Richards (24) and John Blaauw (63).
Forensic scientist Dr David Klatzow has ruled out arson as the cause of the Knysna fires. The official investigative report fingered human activity.
LISTEN: #KnysnaFire: Firefighter was a 'very passionate young man'
Local Adrian Hegerty spoke about the community’s development since the 2017 fires.
Take a listen:
This article first appeared on CapeTalk : [GALLERY] A look back at the full picture of the Knysna fires, one year on
More from Local

WATCH LIVE Jackson Mthembu's funeral
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away on Thursday after succumbing to COVID-19.
Read More
Are you thoroughly prepared for Stage 8 load shedding?
Decor & DIY expert and founder of Homedzine.co.za Janice Anderssen says you can't plug your electronic equipment into a generator.
Read More
Storm Eloise: Disaster management in Limpopo, Mpumalanga & KZN on high alert
The category 2 cyclone is expected to hit parts of South Africa bringing, with it heavy rain and possible flooding.
Read More
'What we find underneath shells of resold written-off cars is just shocking'
Motor Body Repairers’ Association national director Richard Greens says insurers must make information publicly available.
Read More
Wynberg factory catches fire
JHB EMS spokesperson Nana Radebe says people inside the factory have been moved out and everyone is safe.
Read More
Jackson Mthembu’s Official Category 1 funeral to take place on Sunday
A memorial service will also be held at the GCIS Auditorium in Hatfield, in Tshwane, on Saturday.
Read More
SA not on the right path for employment creation, says NPC
The National Planning Commission held a webinar reflecting on some of the work contained in its economic progress review report which was released last month.
Read More
SASA devastated by death of anaesthetist Mononyane in helicopter crash
Dr Kgopotso Rudolf Mononyane was among the five people on board a helicopter that crashed in Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.
Read More
1,448 people killed on SA's roads over festive season - Mbalula
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said that 31% of the crashes occurred during the curfew between midnight and 6am.
Read More
Political Party Funding Act comes into play on 1 April - Presidency
The Act, among other things, prohibits donations to parties by foreign governments or agencies, foreign persons or entities, organs of state or state-owned enterprises.
Read MoreMore from Business

SA not on the right path for employment creation, says NPC
The National Planning Commission held a webinar reflecting on some of the work contained in its economic progress review report which was released last month.
Read More
Political Party Funding Act comes into play on 1 April - Presidency
The Act, among other things, prohibits donations to parties by foreign governments or agencies, foreign persons or entities, organs of state or state-owned enterprises.
Read More
Strategies to help your small business not only survive, but thrive in 2021
Entrepreneur Pavlo Phitidis has tips for business owners looking for a plan of action to tackle current uncertainty.
Read More
Sarb interest rate decision will hurt economy and property market - Samuel Seeff
There was ample reason for a cut says the Seeff group. 'We've missed an opportunity' laments its chairperson, Samuel Seeff.
Read More
Ginger shortage impacting ginger beer quality and price - SA producer
Yamama Gemmer prides itself on using the best-quality imported ginger. Now it's forced to source the spice from wherever it can.
Read More
No further repo rate cut says Reserve Bank, increases expected in both Q2 and Q3
The SA Reserve Bank has announced the repo rate is unchanged at 3.5%. 'I would have cut!' declares economist Xhanti Payi.
Read More
Consumers should not have to fight for right to access recorded calls
Why do consumers have to jump through so many hoops? Consumer ninja Wendy Knowler makes her case on The Money Show.
Read More
Agritech start-up Aerobotics raises R250m in funding round led by Naspers
The local company is planning to expand its global reach. Bruce Whitfield interviews Aerobotics CEO James Paterson.
Read More
President Biden reaches out to Trump supporters: 'We must end this uncivil war'
Joe Biden's been sworn in as 46th US president. Axios reporter Ursula Perano on what to expect from his first 100 days in office.
Read More
Making money out of mindfulness
Remaining calm during a crisis is a skill that would benefit all of us. For those that supply it, it will be profitable too.
Read More