Overstrand remains on high alert as wildfires persist

The Overstrand region remains under high alert as wildfires that began earlier this week continue to challenge emergency services and communities. The R43 road between Stanford and De Kelders has remained closed as firefighting teams focus on extinguishing hotspots and preventing further damage.

While some alternative routes such as the R326 Van Brakelstoor-Stanford and R43 Gansbaai-Pearly Beach-Buffeljags remain open, motorists are urged to proceed with extreme caution.

Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill has issued repeated warnings about the use of the Grootbos/Papiesvlei gravel detour road. “Visibility is poor due to dust and uneven surfaces, and many drivers are unfamiliar with this detour,” said O’Neill. “Please turn on headlights, reduce speed, and drive carefully to avoid accidents.”

Firefighting operations and community impact

Despite containment progress overnight, fires in Stanford and Pearly Beach persisted through the early morning hours, requiring continuous intervention. Aerial water-bombing support, including from the “giant” Oryx helicopter, has been instrumental in slowing fire spread near the R43 Stanford area.

Key areas of concern include the proximity of flames to structures on the Country Fair side of Die Kop and the potential risk to two buildings along End Street in Pearly Beach. Pearly Beach Resort experienced no major incidents overnight, and firebreaks in the Duinefontein Nature Reserve held firm. However, firefighters anticipate Strandkloof to present a significant challenge as conditions remain dry and windy, according to O’Neill.

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The recent fires have devastated parts of the local farming community, particularly flower farmers who will begin assessing losses today. Emergency teams are working tirelessly amid hot, exhausting conditions, supported by aerial units and ground crews coordinating their efforts closely.

Eastern Cape fires under control

Fires that recently affected the southern parts of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro have largely been brought under control, providing much-needed relief to those communities.

In the Kouga region, a helicopter remains actively engaged in aerial firefighting efforts to extinguish several flare-ups, including two significant fires near Jeffreys Bay that had raised serious concern among residents and emergency teams alike.

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Meanwhile, in Nelson Mandela Bay, all wildfire activity has been contained, allowing acting Mayor Garry van Niekerk to issue a strong appeal to residents, urging them to refrain from lighting open fires, despite the cooler weather conditions experienced on Saturday morning.

Across the Western Cape, strong and persistent winds continue to exacerbate wildfire conditions, fanning existing fires and complicating containment efforts. Authorities in the province have announced a coordinated response involving the South African Air Force, which will provide vital aerial support to help combat multiple active fire incidents today.

Colin Deiner, Head of the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, emphasised the challenges posed by the weather, noting that the winds are a major factor in the fires’ spread.

Fire season outlook and wildlife safety measures

The Overstrand fires are part of an ongoing extended wildfire season across the Western Cape, which has seen over 90,000 hectares burned to date. The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre reports R15 million already spent on aerial firefighting, with additional resources being mobilised as hot, dry weather persists.

Strong winds continue to exacerbate fire conditions, prompting collaboration between provincial fire services and the South African Air Force. Fires in areas such as Mossel Bay and Wemmershoek are being managed with mopping-up operations under way, while others remain active but contained.

CapeNature emphasises the importance of protecting wildlife during this fire season. The fynbos ecosystem naturally depends on fire for regeneration, and many animals have adapted to survive fires. The public is urged not to interfere with wildlife that appear injured or disoriented, as handling can cause further harm. Only trained and authorised personnel should manage fire-affected animals.

Important contact numbers

If you encounter wildlife affected by fire, please follow the recommended guidelines and report immediately to the appropriate authorities:

CapeNature Regional Offices:

• Cederberg: 082 455 5569
• Cape Peninsula: 072 592 3517 (until 14 Jan), 076 103 4615 (from 15 Jan)
• Boland and Kogelberg: 082 785 1045
• Witzenberg: 082 784 7173
• Overstrand: 087 087 3841 / 071 999 5348
• Langeberg: 087 087 3895 / 082 496 2449
• Paarl: 087 087 4170
• Garden Route: 044 802 5300 / 087 087 3037
• Karoo: 087 087 3002

SPCA Offices:

• Beaufort West: 072 847 7312
• Cape of Good Hope: 021 700 4140 / 083 26 1604
• Franschhoek: 083 745 5344
• Garden Route (George – Mossel Bay): 044 878 1990 / 082 378 7384
• Paarl: 021 863 2720 / 082 510 6387
• Swartland – Darling – Vredenburg: 022 492 2781 / 082 414 7153
• Swellendam: 028 514 2083 / 084 737 1948
• Wellington: 021 864 3726 / 082 905 9184
• Winelands: 023 615 2241 / 071 025 7805

“We sincerely thank all firefighting teams, including those from neighbouring municipalities, for their tireless support during this difficult period. Our communities have faced unprecedented challenges, but the dedication of our emergency personnel remains steadfast. I urge all residents and visitors to respect road closures and follow safety instructions to ensure their own safety and that of our emergency workers. Together, we will overcome this fire season,” O’Neill said.

Key advice for motorists and residents

• Avoid the closed R43 between Stanford and De Kelders
• Use alternative routes with extreme caution; turn on headlights and reduce speed
• Keep updated with official road and fire status reports
• Report injured or trapped wildlife only to the designated authorities
• Do not attempt to handle, feed, or relocate wildlife yourself

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