Key Takeaways
- Scores of residents and holidaymakers in the Kouga region of the Eastern Cape were forced to flee their homes due to sporadic fires
- The origin of the fires, which knocked out electricity in some areas, had not yet been determined, but they were spreading rapidly
- The N2 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp was closed, forcing all traffic onto the R102, leading to long delays and several crashes
- Community members were calling on people who could ride horses to help move animals out of the Kabeljouws area
- A drop-off point has been set up at Victory Christian School in Wavecrest, Jeffreys Bay, for people wanting to help firefighters with essential supplies
Introduction to the Fires
The Kouga region of the Eastern Cape was hit by sporadic fires on Thursday afternoon, forcing residents and holidaymakers to flee their homes. The fires bore down on people, causing them to stream out of their homes along the R330 between Humansdorp and Hankey, as well as in St Francis Bay and the Twin Valley–Smithtown area. This was a desperate bid to escape the flames, which were spreading rapidly and knocking out electricity in some areas.
Efforts to Contain the Fires
Kouga mayor Hattingh Bornman told IOL that the origin of the fires had not yet been determined, but they were spreading rapidly. He said that the N2 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp was also closed, forcing all traffic onto the R102. This led to long delays, with several crashes reported as traffic backed up. The closure of the N2 and the diversion of traffic onto the R102 caused chaos, with many people struggling to evacuate the area.
Evacuation Efforts
As the fire spread, community members took to social media, calling on people who could ride horses to urgently help move animals out of the Kabeljouws area. In a statement, issued earlier in the day, Bornman said immediate evacuation was required due to the fires. He specified that Zwartenbosch residents along the R330, in the direction of Hankey, in the vicinity of the poultry farm, on both sides of the road, must evacuate immediately. Additionally, Oyster Bay Road residents in the surrounding farming areas must also evacuate immediately, as well as those in Kromme River and Riverside.
Impact of the Fires
The fire had jumped the R330 in the Hankey direction and was now spreading towards the Kabeljouws River, behind the Nature’s Valley Private Game Reserve, moving in the direction of Twin Valley and Smithtown. According to Bornman, "The fire is advancing rapidly." The rapid spread of the fire caused widespread destruction, with many homes and properties threatened. The municipal notice also stated that electricity was out in Humansdorp, but teams were busy restoring power. St Francis Bay’s main Eskom-supplied electrical line was reportedly damaged, while Jeffreys Bay’s main line was under threat.
Support for Firefighters
A drop-off point has been set up at Victory Christian School in Wavecrest, Jeffreys Bay, for people wanting to help firefighters. They’re asking for bottled water, snacks, energy drinks, and other essential supplies. This is a great opportunity for people to come together and support the firefighters who are working tirelessly to contain the fires. The community’s response to the fires has been remarkable, with many people offering their assistance and support to those affected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sporadic fires in the Kouga region of the Eastern Cape have caused widespread destruction and displacement. The rapid spread of the fire has forced many people to evacuate their homes, and the community has come together to support the firefighters and those affected. The origin of the fires is still unknown, but it is clear that the situation is dire and requires immediate attention. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that people stay informed and offer their support to those in need.
