I came across this today - From the ashes: historical botanic photos destroyed in Cape Town fire resurrected | Africa | The Guardian.
I was wondering if any of my South African colleagues have been affected by it, especially since the buildings damaged mainly involved plants.
It was, ironic, that the plant protection unit on the top floor, was destroyed by embers from the palm tree.
Horrible! I am so sorry.
One of the people in the article said that he should have known the risk, and cut it down with a chainsaw!