GQEBERHA – A dangerous wildfire is raging through the Walmer Heights area of Nelson Mandela Bay today, 22 January 2026, forcing the evacuation of Stedin Primary School and prompting urgent safety warnings from municipal authorities.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Fire and Emergency Department issued a statement warning residents about the severity of the situation:
“The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Fire and Emergency Department is warning the public about a bushfire in Victoria Drive opposite Milkwoods. A rapidly spreading fire, exacerbated by strong winds, poses a significant threat to nearby communities. In response, Stedin Primary School has been evacuated owing to the prevailing heavy smoke conditions.”
The municipality emphasised that whilst roads remain open, extreme caution is required in affected areas. “Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating areas in proximity to the fire, particularly Victoria Drive and Walmer 10th Avenue, where dense smoke is reducing visibility,” the statement continued.
Emergency response teams have been mobilised to combat the blaze. “The Fire and Emergency department has mobilised firefighting vehicles and teams to combat the wildfires. Teams are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and protect nearby communities,” officials confirmed.
Atlas Security has deployed additional resources to support the emergency response effort. The private security company released its own statement detailing their involvement:
“There is an active wildfire in the Walmer Heights area, affecting sections near Beethoven Avenue. Conditions remain volatile, with gale-force winds contributing to the spread and intensity of the fire.”
The security firm has positioned four analytical CCTV cameras in the Beethoven Avenue area to provide live monitoring of the fire zone. “Our Control Room is monitoring the situation in real time, tracking fire movement and coordinating responses,” Atlas Security stated.
Their Rapid Intervention Unit members are working alongside municipal fire services “to reduce risk to homes bordering the affected area. This includes monitoring flare-ups, wetting down high-risk zones, and maintaining visibility where conditions allow.”
The municipality stressed that public safety remains their top priority as part of broader fire risk mitigation efforts. “The fire poses a significant threat, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and avoid the area. Affected areas are under close surveillance, and authorities are advising caution.”
Residents are encouraged to report any signs of fire or suspicious activity as the situation continues to develop. The municipality has promised regular updates as more information becomes available.
For fire-related emergencies, residents can contact Fire & Emergency Services at 041 585 1555.
The combination of gale-force winds and dry conditions has created a volatile situation that emergency services are working around the clock to contain.
