A devastating veld fire has destroyed the well known artist’s retreat Rustlers Valley in the eastern Free State, the provincial department for water affairs and forestry said on Thursday.
Spokesperson Malcolm Procter said the fire destroyed everything. “There is nothing, nothing.” All buildings were destroyed.
Procter said it is suspected that the fire started when someone tried to smoke out bees from a tree. “There is a strong possibility that criminal charges would be pressed.”
He said all available Working on Fire teams in the Free State had been sent to the area on Thursday where the fire was still burning in the mountainous area.
Rustlers Valley has always been a popular retreat for artists. The valley also hosts a music festival every year.
A note on the Rustlers Valley website said that all planned activities — including the Equinox Festival, Christmas and New Year celebrations and PermaCulture courses — have been cancelled until further notice.
“It is going to take tremendous strength, will and effort to recreate what we built. This is a devastating blow for all who live there and all who love Rustlers Valley,” the note said.