KOUGA – Recent widespread wildfires across Kouga Municipality prompted a coordinated emergency response involving municipal firefighting teams, SPCA Humansdorp wildlife rescue operations, and South African Police Services investigation after firefighters discovered a decomposed body during containment efforts in the affected areas.
In a press release shared on 12 January, Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman provided an overview of the fires.
He said that in early January 2026, Kouga Local Municipality experienced widespread wildfires that posed significant threats to residential areas, farms, and infrastructure.
The fires were exacerbated by dry conditions, strong winds, and difficult terrain, requiring a coordinated response from municipal, district municipality, and humanitarian resources.
Bornman said that on 8 January, the first major flare-ups were reported in the Zwartenbosch and St Francis Bay (Oyster Bay Road) areas, and residents were urged to evacuate.
The following day, on 9 January, the fires spread towards St Francis Bay, Kromme River, and the Kabeljouws River areas.
Bornman said that additional evacuations were ordered. Road closures were reported along the R330 and N2 between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay.
On 10 January, ground and aerial firefighting operations intensified, and helicopters were deployed for water-bombing, and the Working on Fire teams were mobilised. On 11 and 12 January, major fire fronts were largely under control.
Bornman said that on these days, mop-up and monitoring operations continued with some flare-ups persisting near the Kabeljouws River and Oyster Bay.
“The residential communities affected by the fires were Zwartenbosch, St Francis Bay, Linderhof, Oyster Bay and Paradise Beach. The rural and farming areas affected were Kromme River, Riverside, Hankey, Kabeljouws River and Smith Town,” said Bornman.
“The infrastructure impacted included temporary power outages in Humansdorp and surrounding areas. The R330 and N2 were also temporarily closed.”
Bornman further said that the response efforts to combat the fires included aerial support with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft actively involved in water-bombing operations, particularly around St Francis Bay (Oyster Bay Road) and Kabeljouws River.
“At least three helicopters were deployed during peak fire days, and additional water bombers were facilitated by Gift of the Givers at St Francis Bay airfield,” said Bornman.
He said that Kouga Municipality Fire Services led frontline operations and evacuation procedures, with Working on Fire teams deployed for containment and firebreak creation.
Bornman further said that Gift of the Givers, the municipality, and volunteers provided logistical support, water supply, and relief to evacuees. He said that they also received support from Sarah Baartman District Municipality’s Municipal Manager and officials, and neighbouring municipalities, including Beyers Naudé Municipality, Blue Crane Route and Sundays River Valley municipalities, which provided additional firefighting resources.
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service, KLM Traffic Services, and community volunteers assisted with evacuations, traffic control, and public safety.
“Residents donated water, meals, and a variety of necessities for our firefighters, and Relay EMS provided medical care to our firefighters over the past few days. Dr Suanne Rankwana also offered free medical checks to firefighters,” said Bornman.
Elaborating on the impact of the fires, he said that multiple residential and holiday areas were evacuated for safety. There were temporary road closures and electricity outages in affected zones. The fires caused significant vegetation loss across hillside and riverine areas and created a risk of soil erosion in affected zones.
“The fires are largely contained, with ongoing monitoring and mop-up operations. Minor flare-ups persist near the Kabeljouws River and St Francis Bay (Oyster Bay Road). Roads and electricity have been restored, and residents are returning to evacuated areas under safety advisories,” said Bornman.
While firefighting operations were largely successful, the emergency response took a tragic turn when a body was discovered during the firefighting efforts.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, on 9 January at 20:30, firefighters and community members battling rapidly spreading fires in the Kouga region discovered a decomposed body on a farm.
“It is alleged the body was found burning at the scene,” said Gantana.
She said that the identification of the deceased forms part of the ongoing investigation.
“Police are also investigating a possible link to a missing persons report filed on 30 December 2025 for a 63-year-old man, who was last seen near the Zwartenboch Golf Course in Humansdorp on 29 December 2025,” said Gantana.
She said that the investigation continues.
SPCA Humansdorp chairperson, Louise Bakkes, said that as the flames ravaged the beautiful coastal region, the SPCA was on the frontlines, fighting to protect and care for the animals affected.
“The recent wildfires have had a profound impact on our local wildlife. Thankfully, we received an incredible amount of assistance from our team and community members,” said Bakkes.
Bakkes said that they were grateful to have been joined by the NSPCA’s Wildlife Team, who provided invaluable guidance and support during their response efforts.
“Together, we’ve been sweeping and searching burnt areas, checking for injured wildlife,” said Bakkes.
She said that her teams had unfortunately encountered tortoise carcasses, dead snakes, and a significant number of charred centipedes, highlighting the vulnerability of slow-moving species.
“Our teams have covered Hankey, Melkhoutbos, Kabeljous, Twin Valley, Krom River/Oyster Bay, and surrounding areas, with ongoing efforts in these regions. We’re providing care to a burned tortoise found during our search,” said Bakkes.
With the immediate crisis subsiding, she said that they are focused on providing essential support to surviving wildlife.
Furthermore, Bakkes said that water and food stations are being set up in burnt areas, ensuring animals can access vital resources.
“The response from our community has been overwhelming. Volunteers, donors, and local businesses have rallied around us, providing vital support and resources. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to our relief efforts,” said Bakkes. “The SPCA is committed to caring for animals and serving our community. We’re proud to be part of such a resilient and compassionate community.”
For more information, to report wildlife in need or to join the volunteer WhatsApp group, contact Inspector Marisa Kruger at 083 607 8596, chairperson Louise Bakkes at 082 879 6509, or Jayne Wright at 082 894 8521.
READ MORE: Water bomber deployed as fires continue across Kouga region
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