Key Takeaways
- Residents of Stanford in the Western Cape have been urged to prepare for possible evacuation due to a fast-spreading fire
- The fire is burning on two active flanks, with one heading towards Die Kop informal settlement and the other towards the R326
- Fire crews are battling the blaze on the ground and from the air, with the Black Hawk helicopter engaged in aerial firefighting operations
- Road closures are expected, and visitors are advised to leave the area
- The fire has burned more than 370 square kilometers in the Overberg, with multiple areas affected, including Pearly Beach and Agulhas National Park
Introduction to the Situation
Residents of Stanford in the Western Cape have been urged to prepare for possible evacuation as a fast-spreading fire burns on two active flanks. The fire, which is being battled by fire crews on the ground and from the air, has prompted authorities to issue warnings about possible road closures and advise visitors to leave the area. The situation is being closely monitored, with the Overstrand municipal manager, Dean O’Neill, providing updates on the fire’s progress. According to O’Neill, there are two active flanks burning fiercely, with one heading towards Die Kop informal settlement and the other towards the R326.
The Fire’s Progress
The fire has spread rapidly, with flames reaching as far as Salmonsdam, and burning "at speed and significant flame", according to updates from the Overberg District Municipality. The fire has also spread into the Agulhas National Park, and has burned more than 370 square kilometers in the Overberg. The situation is being exacerbated by strong winds, which are carrying the fire across the area. The Black Hawk helicopter is currently engaged in aerial firefighting operations, and fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire remains a significant threat, and residents are being urged to remain alert and be prepared for a possible evacuation.
Evacuation Preparations
Residents of Stanford are being advised to prepare for a possible evacuation, with the Stanford Community Hall in Bezuidenhout Street open for those who wish to evacuate their properties as a precautionary measure. Loud hailing is under way at Die Kop, and residents are being warned to expect road closures. Visitors to the area are being advised to leave, as current conditions indicate that the wind may carry the fire across the R43, potentially closing the Stanford road. The Overstrand municipal manager has emphasized the importance of being prepared, stating that "residents are urged to remain alert and be prepared for a possible evacuation should conditions worsen".
Firefighting Efforts in Kouga Municipality
In the Eastern Cape’s Kouga Municipality, firefighters are battling three blazes in the area, assisted by aerial firefighting support donated by the Gift of the Givers. The 2 000-litre capacity water bomber helicopter, hired by the Gift of the Givers, arrived from Mossel Bay on Friday morning, and is being used to support ground firefighting crews. The areas affected by the fires include Koukamma, St Francis Bay, and Paradise Beach, with residents of Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay, Kromme River, and Riverside evacuated on Thursday night. The Gift of the Givers operations manager, Ali Sablay, has stated that the water tanker will be stationed permanently at the St Francis airfield, with two other water tankers collecting water from a source 2km away to replenish the water tanker.
Ongoing Challenges
The fires in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape continue to pose a significant challenge for firefighters and residents alike. The strong winds and dry conditions are exacerbating the situation, making it difficult for fire crews to contain the blazes. The Gift of the Givers’ donation of aerial firefighting support has been a significant boost to the efforts, but more resources are needed to bring the fires under control. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are being urged to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of authorities. The Overstrand municipal manager has emphasized the importance of being prepared, stating that "it is all hands on deck" as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
