Wildfires challenge firefighting crews in Western Cape amid extreme heat
Multiple wildfires continue to burn across the Western Cape as extreme heat, dense vegetation and smoke disrupt containment efforts in Stanford, Pearly Beach and Mossel Bay.
Image: Mossel Bay Municipality
Extreme heat, dense vegetation and limited access are complicating firefighting efforts across parts of the Western Cape on Thursday as crews continue to battle multiple active wildfires from the Overstrand to the Garden Route.
In Stanford, a fire burning between the Die Kop informal settlement and Stanford Industria remains out of control, prompting the deployment of aerial support. A helicopter was dispatched from Stellenbosch shortly after 9.30am to assist ground crews struggling to reach the fire line due to thick bush and inaccessible terrain.
According to Overstrand Municipality, the fire is burning deep within dense vegetation and is inaccessible to firefighting vehicles. Working on Fire teams and Overstrand Municipality fire crews are on scene, with a specialised NCC team en route to strengthen containment efforts.
Municipal manager Dean O’Neill said the focus for the day is to secure fire lines and conduct mop-up operations where access allows, but warned that another hot day with a high fire danger index is expected to hamper progress. Landowners in surrounding areas have been urged to remain vigilant, clear vegetation around their properties and prepare for any eventuality.
Fire conditions are also affecting road access in the Overstrand, where the Pearly Beach fire has entered its fifth day. The R43 from Uilenkraalsmond towards Pearly Beach is open, with no visible fires or smoke, while the stretch between Buffeljags and Pearly Beach remains temporarily closed due to smoke and an ongoing fire in that section.
In the Mossel Bay area, crews made progress overnight after a fire stop was called in the early hours of Thursday, indicating that the fire is under control but not yet fully contained. The fire, which began on 5 January, affected Aalwyndal, Island View, Vakansieplaas and areas near the N2.
Firefighters worked through the night and no crews are standing down on Thursday, with mop-up operations continuing, particularly in Klipheuwel Street, where flare-ups posed one of the biggest challenges during Wednesday’s operations. Vakansieplaas was identified as the area where the most structures were lost.
A full update from Mossel Bay Municipality is expected later on Thursday as authorities continue to monitor conditions amid ongoing high fire danger.
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Cape Argus