The Western Cape Government has already spent R15 million on aerial firefighting support as large parts of the province continue to battle intense and fast-moving wildfires, with authorities warning that the fire season could extend beyond March.
Provincial Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell met with senior officials on Thursday to receive briefings on the mounting challenges municipalities are facing as the holiday season ends, whilst hot and dry summer conditions persist.
“The Western Cape has experienced a particularly challenging fire season so far, with double the number of aerial firefighting support callouts authorised compared to this time last year,” said Bredell.
“The South African Weather Service has indicated that the remainder of the summer will remain hot and dry, which could extend the fire season beyond March. To date, R15 million has already been spent, and we will engage with the Provincial Treasury should additional funding be required.”
Widespread destruction across the province
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, 38 aerial firefighting missions have been authorised so far this season. Preliminary figures indicate that approximately 90 000 hectares have already burnt across the province.
A total of 45 structures have been destroyed; however, no fatalities or serious disabling injuries have been reported.
In Mossel Bay, residents in Island View, Vakansieplaas and Aalwyndal were evacuated on Tuesday after a veld fire encroached on urban areas, resulting in property damage. Fire crews remain fully deployed in these areas, with aerial support redeployed and additional water resources brought in as wind conditions continue to be closely monitored.
Multiple fires rage in Overberg and Garden Route
Firefighters are currently battling multiple active fires in the Overberg and Garden Route districts.
In the Overberg region, three major fires are burning in Stanford, Pearly Beach and Greyton. The Pearly Beach fire, now in its fifth day, has spread as far as the Stanford wineries.
Overberg District Municipality Fire Chief Reinard Geldenhuys said strong winds remain a major concern.
“The Greyton fire was contained, but with strong westerly winds it jumped the road towards Riviersonderend and is now burning in the mountain. There is also a small fire near Villiersdorp that crews are monitoring,” he said.
Garden Route District firefighters are also battling wildfires in Mossel Bay and Tsitsikamma. The N2 between Dana Bay and Langeberg Mall was temporarily closed in both directions due to heavy smoke and poor visibility, but reopened just after 5am on Wednesday. Fire crews from Mossel Bay, Garden Route, Hessequa and George municipalities, supported by multiple water trucks and private volunteers, were deployed.
Cape Winelands fires continue
The Cape Winelands District Municipality confirmed that a fire reported late on Wednesday in Languedoc, Stellenbosch, has been contained, with no property damage reported. Ground teams remain on site for monitoring and mop-up operations.
However, the situation remains critical in Langrug, Franschhoek, where a fire is still out of control. Strong north-westerly winds have pushed the blaze in the direction of Franschhoek town. Two contracted ground teams and a 34-member CapeNature crew are actively involved in suppression efforts.
Additional fires are burning at Stormsvlei, after a blaze crossed over from the Overberg, and at De Wet Cellar in Worcester, where flames are advancing towards De Doorns. Motorists using the N1 have been urged to drive with caution due to smoke affecting visibility.
Eastern Cape evacuations and road closures
In the Eastern Cape, a fire has jumped the R330 near Hankey and is spreading towards the Kabeljous River, behind the Nature’s Valley Private Game Reserve, moving in the direction of the Ubuntu Bricks Factory.
The N2 between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay has been closed, with all traffic diverted via the R102.
An urgent evacuation notice has been issued for residents in the Zwartenbosch area, Oyster Bay Road farming areas, as well as Kromme River and Riverside. Temporary accommodation has been arranged, and residents have been urged to follow instructions from emergency services.
ALSO READ: Uncontrolled fires force evacuations and road closures across Kouga
Tsitsikamma wildfire burns in remote terrain
A wildfire is also burning in the Keurbooms–Soetkraal area within the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. The fire, believed to have been caused by lightning, is burning in extremely remote mountainous terrain on SANParks-managed land and has affected an estimated 10 000 hectares.
Firefighting teams are implementing a containment strategy to keep the blaze within predetermined management parameters. Minor damage to park infrastructure has been reported, with no injuries at this stage.
Authorities have urged residents in fire-affected and surrounding areas to stay informed via official Joint Operations Centre communications, keep doors and windows closed where smoke persists, and avoid unnecessary travel.
One Pearly Beach resident described conditions as rapidly deteriorating due to wind, with roads frequently closed because of poor visibility. The Overstrand Municipality has since declared the situation a “Code Red”.
Fire crews remain on high alert across the Western Cape as hot, dry and windy conditions continue to fuel an already severe fire season.
You must be logged in to post a comment.