George residents begin evacuations as fires ravage Outeniqua Mountain
The traffic department and SAPS will assist in the evacuation and GO GEORGE buses will be arriving shortly to assist residents in moving to Town Hall for safety.
George Municipality is evacuating residents in Blanco Golden Valley and Stepaside as a precaution, George Herald reports.
The traffic department and SAPS will assist in the evacuation and GO GEORGE buses will be arriving shortly to assist.
Residents are urged not to panic and to move slowly and carefully.
Shelter will be provided at Town Hall.
The municipality has provided the following fire updates:
Karatara:
The fire remains active in the mountain area in Karatara but is currently contained by SANParks. Backburns and firebreaks will be done during the course of the day.
Outeniqua Mountain:
The Outeniqua fire remains active on the mountain slopes. Backburns from the horseshoe to the back of the Denneoord Water Works were successful yesterday. A number of firebreaks have been put in place by the George Municipality to act as a line of defence for the urban interface.
Aerial Support:
Two Huey helicopters, two fixed-wing bombers, and SANDF Oryx Helicopter are in place to render aerial support. All aerial support relying on weather conditions, currently poor visibility due to smoke. Wind direction is due to change from 12pm onwards.
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