Wildfires Rage Across Western and Eastern Cape, Weather Service Issues Warning
Cape Town – Wildfires continue to spread across the Western Cape, with firefighters battling blazes in multiple locations late into Friday night. The South African Weather Service (Saws) has warned that the dangerous conditions fuelling these fires are expected to persist, extending the threat into Saturday for the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces.
In the Overstrand Municipality, the situation remains critical. Dean O’Neill, the Overstrand Municipal Manager, reported in the final update on Friday night that the fires near Pearly Beach are still actively burning and remain out of control. "This fire is still burning actively and remains out of control. The fire made a 180-degree turn and spread in an easterly direction, fanned by high wind speeds," O'Neill explained, highlighting the challenges faced by firefighting teams as they entered the sixth day of battling the Pearly Beach blaze.
The intensity of the fire is particularly high around the Pearly Beach Resort, with firefighters actively engaged in suppression efforts. An additional specialised ground team was deployed on Friday evening to bolster containment efforts. Flames are also being fought along the R43, stretching from the Duinefontein Game Reserve towards Uilkraalmond.
In Eluxolweni, firefighters faced a dual challenge, battling blazes on two fronts. According to the municipality, "On one side, teams managed to guide the fire around the informal settlement, while on the other side, fire suppression activities continue. The area therefore remains at risk. An alert SMS was issued to residents to remain aware."
The Stanford area of the Overstrand Municipality is also grappling with significant fires, with approximately 5,300 hectares of land already scorched. O’Neill stated that the fire posed a threat to Die Kop Informal Settlement, prompting the communication of a possible evacuation. Residents of Thembelihle were also warned of heavy smoke and advised to remain alert in case evacuation becomes necessary. Around 80 residents from 22 households, feeling unsafe, were given shelter at Stanford Community Hall.
Despite the ongoing challenges, support is on the way. O’Neill confirmed that while firefighters would continue their efforts throughout the night, an Oryx helicopter from the South African Air Force (SAAF) was scheduled to be deployed early on Saturday morning to assist in battling the Stanford fires. "The Overstrand Municipality thanks the community and volunteers for their ongoing support and donations. These items are being distributed to personnel on the front line, who are deeply grateful," O’Neill added, acknowledging the vital role of community assistance.
Meanwhile, in Mossel Bay, there was some positive news. By Friday evening, the municipality reported that there were no active fires within its boundaries. Despite this, authorities are maintaining vigilance and continuing to secure vulnerable areas of the fire site. The fires in Mossel Bay affected 23 square kilometres, and mop-up operations are ongoing. The municipality has released footage showing the extent of the damage in areas such as Aalwyndal, Vakansieplaas, and Island View.
In the Eastern Cape, Kouga Mayor Hattingh Bornman reported on Saturday morning that the fire in St Francis Bay remains under control. However, firefighting teams are actively battling to contain blazes in Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay. The changing wind conditions in Humansdorp are presenting significant challenges. "With the wind direction changing, we have some new challenges with fire burning in a kloof area close to the R330. Helicopter and ground teams are pushing to stop this before it jumps the R330," Bornman explained.
In Jeffreys Bay, the wind has shifted the fire back towards Smithtown. "Burning close to Sonop farm at the moment. Air and ground support are currently working there as well," Bornman stated. Additionally, two fires are burning on the outskirts of the municipality. "One that blew over into Kouga from R62 side from Kareedouw side and the other from the Nelson Mandela Bay metro’s side close to Van Stadens river mouth. No threat to properties at the moment but we are monitoring the situation there as well," he added, highlighting the widespread nature of the fire threat.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a stark warning that fire conditions are expected to persist due to the continued hot weather across much of South Africa. "Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the southern parts of Sarah Baartman and Nelson Mandela municipalities of the Eastern Cape, vast parts of the Northern Cape, in places over the western parts of the Western Cape and Free State," Saws stated, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Follow Us on Twitter
