Pearly Beach fire intensifies: Strong winds threaten homes and R43 closure

Strong winds continue to fuel the Pearly Beach fire, which has now jumped the R43 near Gansbaai, prompting renewed road closures and warnings for residents to prepare for a possible evacuation.

In an update issued at 12:30pm on Tuesday, Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill said the fire is being pushed toward the entrance of Pearly Beach, raising concerns that it could move closer to residential areas in Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni.

As a result of heavy smoke and poor visibility, the R43 between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing has been closed again. Motorists are being redirected via Uilenkraalsmond to Baardskeerdersbos, then through Elim and Die Damme, and vice versa.

Authorities warned that smoke is affecting visibility across the area and that minor roads may be closed at short notice. Traffic officials are managing the situation on the ground, and road users have been urged to follow all instructions.

The designated detour includes gravel roads, where visibility is further reduced by smoke and dust, with uneven surfaces in several sections. Motorists have been advised to switch on headlights, reduce speed, and drive with caution.

Residents and road users have also been urged to make way for fire and emergency vehicles, not to block access routes, and to avoid entering the area unnecessarily or becoming so-called “fire tourists”.

O’Neill said further updates will be issued once visibility improves and it is safe to reopen the main road or reinstate the regular detour.

The closure affects traffic on the R43 between Gansbaai and Pearly Beach, within the Overstrand Municipality area.

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Cape Argus