KOUGA – Raging and uncontrolled fires burning across several areas of the Kouga Local Municipality have prompted urgent evacuation orders, road closures, and emergency warnings today (Thursday 8 January).
Residents in the Zwartenbosch area, particularly those living along the R330 in the direction of Hankey near the poultry farm on both sides of the road, were instructed to evacuate immediately. Evacuation orders were also issued for residents in surrounding farming areas along Oyster Bay Road, as well as the Kromme River and Riverside areas.
In an urgent evacuation notice, the municipality warned that “immediate evacuation is required due to raging and uncontrolled fires,” urging residents not to delay and to follow instructions from emergency services.
Kouga Municipality confirmed that the fire has jumped the R330 and is spreading rapidly towards the Kabeljous River, behind the Nature’s Valley Private Game Reserve, moving in the direction of the Ubuntu Bricks Factory area. In a further update, the municipality said, “The fire is advancing rapidly,” adding that the situation remains highly volatile.
Earlier today, Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman confirmed that multiple fire fronts were active across the region, including areas behind the Humansdorp–Jeffreys Bay corridor, the Kromme River area, and along the R330 towards Hankey. In a statement, he said, “Firefighters are on the scene and working as hard as possible. We ask residents to remain calm. We will communicate as much as possible as we progress.”
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Due to the advancing fire, the N2 between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay has been closed, with all traffic diverted via the R102. Authorities have urged motorists to avoid the area and adhere strictly to official instructions.
Emergency services have reiterated that residents in affected areas should evacuate immediately and move to places of safety. Temporary accommodation will be provided for displaced residents.
Residents requiring assistance or further information can contact the Emergency Control Room on 042 291 0250 or the municipal call centre on 042 200 2200.
Municipal officials have appealed to the public to circulate verified updates urgently to ensure all affected communities are informed as the situation continues to develop.
