Residents in parts of the Eastern and Western Cape are on high alert as multiple veld fires continue to burn, forcing evacuations in the Kouga municipality and prompting smoke warnings in the Mossel Bay area.

The Kouga municipality has ordered the evacuation of residents in Zwartenbosch due to an active veld fire, while the Mossel Bay municipality has warned residents of Hartenbos Heuwels and Sonskyn Vallei to brace for heavy smoke.

Fast-moving fires tore through parts of the Kouga region in the Eastern Cape on Thursday, forcing evacuations, closing the N2 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp, knocking out electricity, and prompting urgent community efforts to move people and animals out of danger.
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Several ‘intense fires’ burning in Kouga municipal area

Kouga municipality said three major fires are currently burning in the area:

• Between St Francis Bay and Paradise Beach
• In the Kabeljauws River area
• Behind Humansdorp

The municipality confirmed that St Francis Bay and Jeffreys Bay are not currently at risk.

Also read: Watch: Fire crews remain on alert in Mossel Bay; animals treated for smoke inhalation

e-Nuus reporter Eugenie Gregan reported that eyewitnesses claim the latest fires were started intentionally.

Kouga mayor Hatting Bornman issued an evacuation notice for residents on farms along the R330, including the Hankey, Oyster Bay Road, Kromme River and Riverside areas.

Firefighters have been deployed, and several roads have been closed to the public. The municipality said aerial firefighting support from George is assisting ground crews in efforts to contain the blazes.

Also read: Devastating Mossel Bay fire: More than 10 homes destroyed, firefighters injured

Shortly after 20:00, Kouga municipality confirmed that the fire between Kromme River and Paradise Beach was under control, while the Kabeljauws River fire remained a concern.

Electricity outage cannot be repaired due to fire conditions

The Kouga municipality also informed residents that electricity supply to St Francis Bay is currently disrupted, but ongoing veld fires have made it unsafe for Eskom teams to access affected areas to carry out repairs.

Hartenbos residents warned against heavy smoke

The Mossel Bay Advertiser reported late this afternoon that heavy smoke was visible between Hartenbos Heuwels and Sonskyn Vallei.

The municipality advised residents to keep doors and windows closed.

Strong winds are hampering firefighting efforts, with aerial firefighting operations also deployed in the area.

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