Firefighters in both the Eastern and Western Cape are continuing to battle multiple wildfires as intense summer heat and strong winds fuel dangerous conditions along South Africa’s southern coastline. Several fires remain active, prompting evacuations, damaging property, and placing severe strain on emergency services.
In the Eastern Cape, Kouga Municipality reported a new fire along the R102 near Fountains Mall, compounding efforts to contain multiple blazes that have burned for a third consecutive day. According to the municipality, three major fires have been active since earlier in the week: one in the Koukamma area, another between St Francis Bay and Paradise Beach, and a third between Kabeljous and Jeffreys Bay.
Evacuation orders were issued on Thursday for residents in Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay, the Kromme River area, and Riverside. In a statement released on Saturday, the municipality confirmed that firefighting teams remain deployed despite exhausting and hazardous conditions.
“After three gruelling days, firefighting teams continue to work tirelessly to contain and extinguish multiple fires across the region. While progress has been made in some areas, conditions remain volatile,” the municipality said.
The Kabeljous River fire remains the most serious concern, with flames reaching considerable heights and spreading toward Sonop Farm and in the direction of Hankey. Fire crews, supported by aerial resources, are battling to slow its advance under extremely challenging conditions.
Earlier in the week, property damage was reported in the Kromme River and Smith Town areas. Another fire burning north of Humansdorp, behind the Melkhout Substation, continues to move toward the local golf course, with rugged terrain complicating firefighting efforts. Municipal officials have indicated that, at present, fires on the outskirts of the area pose no immediate threat to properties.
The municipality confirmed that the St Francis Bay fire has been extinguished and is being closely monitored for possible flare-ups, while the fire between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay is under control. Two additional fires are burning on the outskirts of Kouga: one that crossed over from the R62 near Kareedouw, and another near the Van Stadens River Mouth, originating from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro side.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has stepped in to provide critical support, including arranging water-bomber helicopters, deploying water tankers, and supplying essential resources to firefighters. The SPCA is also on site, rescuing and caring for animals affected by the fires. Additional assistance has been dispatched from the Beyers Naudé Municipality and Working on Fire teams from outside the region, with further support still being mobilised.
Residents have been urged to avoid large gatherings in fire-prone areas and to refrain from activities that could increase fire risk, such as open flames and braais. The municipality also warned the public to be cautious of fraudulent donation requests by individuals falsely claiming to represent municipal authorities.
In the Western Cape, the Cape Winelands District Municipality reported that while several fires have been contained, a blaze in Wemmershoek above Franschhoek remains active. The fire, which began in the Langrug area on Wednesday, continues to burn high in the mountains.
“The fire is slowly burning downhill against the wind, behind the Wemmershoek Dam and in the direction of Paarl. Several active fire lines remain,” said Anesca Roodt, spokesperson for the Cape Winelands District Municipality. Firefighting operations and mop-up efforts in surrounding areas are expected to continue throughout the day.
Along the southern coast, Pearly Beach residents have been advised to stay alert and prepare to evacuate if necessary as a fire near Stanford advances. Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill said firefighting resources are stretched, with two active fires currently burning in the area. Authorities are also on high alert in Mossel Bay, where shifting winds continue to heighten fire risk.
Emergency services across both provinces remain on full alert as hot, dry, and windy conditions persist, significantly increasing the danger of further wildfire outbreaks.
Source: News24.com
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