PEARLY BEACH, Western Cape – Residents of Pearly Beach and nearby Eluxolweni are effectively stranded on Tuesday afternoon as authorities closed all access roads due to an out of control wildfire, while emergency officials have issued evacuation warnings as fire continues to spread.
The fire, which started on Sunday afternoon between Franskraal and Pearly beach, reignited earlier today after having appeared to be contained overnight, is now moving around the eastern edge of the seaside town, driven by relentless winds gusting at nearly 70 km per hour – with conditions expected to persist into the evening.
Multiple land and air firefighting teams are still actively involved, as well as Overstrand traffic authorities who are seeing to road safety.
All routes into and out of Pearly Beach have been declared impassable due to heavy smoke. The closure affects the R43 coastal highway and connecting routes, effectively cutting off the town, of which there is also a large elderly community.
Local authorities are however in continuous communication with residents on developing issues.
Both Pearly Beach and the adjacent settlement of Eluxolweni have been placed under evacuation alert, affecting hundreds of residents and holiday visitors. Local authorities are advising residents to gather essential documents, medications, and emergency supplies while monitoring official communication channels.
Residents of the neighbouring seaside town of Franskraal have opened up their hearts and homes to residents of Pearly Beach who were heading home at the time of the road closures, and will now not be able to reach their destinations.
The SA Weather Service predicts that the gale force conditions will persist through Tuesday evening and potentially into Tuesday morning.
ALSO READ: WATCH | Wildfire threatens Pearly Beach as gale force winds reignite blaze
You must be logged in to post a comment.