A veldfire, which has been raging for two days near Pearly Beach in the Overstrand Municipality, has been brought under control. A huge column of smoke billowed over the town yesterday as firefighters battled to contain the blaze.
On Tuesday morning (6 January) there was still smoke in some of the areas, but the fire was contained, according to the municipality’s Fire Control Centre.
The fire was first reported on Sunday 4 January next to the R43 and spread to both sides of the road. According to the Overstrand Municipality, aerial resources were deployed due to the high-risk nature of the area as there is thick, dense vegetation.
The R43 between Gansbaai and Pearly Beach was temporarily closed due to poor visibility caused by the smoke. Travellers had to make use of a detour on the gravel road from Gansbaai via Uilenkraalsmond towards Pearly Beach and then via Pearly Beach Road to Baardskeerdersbos Road. The road has been reopened.
The Greater Overberg Fire Prevention Association (FPA) warned that there is an extremely high fire danger forecasted for today (6 January) in the Swellendam and Bredasdorp areas.
Cederberg fire contained
The fire in the Cederberg was also brought under control on Sunday 4 January, after raging for twelve days.
ALSO READ: Cederberg wildfire spreads across 34 000 hectares as firefighting teams battle blaze
While the fire has been contained, the dry and windy conditions mean the risk of fire remains high. Residents, landowners, and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately through the appropriate emergency channels, the Cederberg Local Municipality said in a statement.
The fire started near Algeria and spread across the Cederberg wilderness through steep and inaccessible terrain. According to the municipality, it has become one of the largest fire events in recent memory in the area. According to field reports, the fire affected an estimated 34 000 hectares of fynbos and wildland areas.
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