Several fires are raging across the Western and Eastern Cape provinces, with the Western Cape Premier stating they have ‘deployed more helicopters than ever’, including a military helicopter sent to assist. However, resources remain stretched, and difficult decisions are being made regarding where to focus much needed aerial efforts to prevent the loss of life at the potential cost of losing infrastructure.

Saving lives a priority as fires rage in Overstrand municipal area

The Overstrand municipal manager, Dean O’Neill, urged Pearly Beach residents to evacuate at 11:45, stating they must ‘use common sense and prepare to evacuate if they feel unsafe’.

Eluxolweni residents were asked to go to the community hall, while residents in Panorama, Groeneweide, and Strandskloof were asked to remain on high alert and move to the Uilenskraalmond Resort hall if needed.

A military Oryx helicopter, sent to provide aerial support to fight the fire at Pearly Beach this morning, has now been diverted to Stanford to assist with the Eluxolweni fire.

“The first priority is to save lives,” O’Neill said in a statement issued by the Overstrand Municipality on social media.

Western Cape and Eastern Cape in uphill battle as several fires break out

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde told the SABC earlier today that there are fires across the entire Western Cape province as well as in the Eastern Cape.

Currently, no loss of life has been reported, although Winde mentioned a young girl being hospitalised in Mossel Bay and several firefighters having been treated for smoke inhalation.

Winde said that more helicopters than ever have been deployed to help fight the fires, including a military helicopter. He told the SABC that more than 100 000 hectares of land have been burnt across the province, with most of the infrastructure damage taking place in Mossel Bay, but also in other areas such as Du Noon in Cape Town and Pearly Beach.

Multiple fires still burning in Kouga municipal area

The Kouga Municipality stated this morning that fire crews are still battling several blazes and that conditions remain volatile.

The municipality listed the following affected areas as of 07:55:

• Kabeljauws River fire: Still active and out of control, moving towards Sonop Farms in the direction of Hankey. Ground and aerial resources are battling the fire.
• Zuurbron fire: Burning towards Hankey and being battled by firefighters on the ground.
• Humansdorp: A fire between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay has been brought under control, while another fire, north of the town, is not yet fully contained due to challenging terrain.
• St Francis Bay: The fire is under control and is being monitored.

Mossel Bay firefighting teams remain on high alert

The Mossel Bay Advertiser reported this morning that although there are no active fires in the area, teams remain on high alert amid dry and windy conditions.

Fire crews continued operations throughout the night, performing mop-up operations after the fire was brought under control. The Mossel Bay Municipality said it was overwhelmed by the donations made to emergency workers.

View a satellite map of active fires in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape on the Advanced Fire Information System here.