On Monday, firefighters across the Overberg were hard at work to contain a number of fires that were being fanned by strong winds.
Theewaterskloof Municipality reported on Monday (29 January) that firefighters were attending to multiple fires in the Grabouw area.
“The Overberg District Municipality fire services has dispatched resources from other stations in Theewaterskloof and the district to help fight the fires in Grabouw,” read the statement by the municipality.
Aerial firefighting (helicopters) support had also been activated.
Residents are requested to be on high alert and report all fires to the district fire department on 028 425 1690. Alternatively call Theewaterskloof Municipality’s toll-free Emergency Contact Center on 080 021 4730.
“Don’t assume someone else has already called the fire services,” the municipality warned.
Firefighters in the Overstrand attended to fires near Pearly Beach, Silversands in Betty’s Bay, Hangklip and the Kleinmond crossing. The Pearly Beach fire, said the municipality, was also burning out of control on Monday.
“Aerial and ground resources have been activated to assist with fire suppression activities,” OM municipal manager Dean O’Neill stated.
The Buffeljags road was closed and Overstrand traffic officers were on the scene to divert traffic. The R43 between Pearly Beach and Buffeljags was also temporarily closed due to heavy smoke and low visibility from the wildfire.
“The situation may change on short notice, depending on conditions,” O’Neill warned.
