Elim community rallies together as Overstrand Municipality fights raging fires
Amid raging fires threatening the Overstrand Municipality, the Elim community finds hope as firefighting efforts manage to control the flames.
Image: Facebook / Paul Swart
While the Overstrand Municipality is bracing itself for two raging fires to grow in size today due to forecasted wind direction, Elim residents have breathed a sigh of relief as the fire that licked at the perimeter of the Moravian Mission Station retreated overnight through valiant firefighting efforts.
On Friday morning, the municipality confirmed that the fires in Pearly Beach and Stanford near Hermanus are still active, with hotspots and flare-ups persisting.
The two active fires - which started on January 4 at Pearly Beach - spread to the Elim area on Thursday.
On Friday, Overstrand Municipality confirmed the fire has damaged approximately 37,000ha and counting.
The municipality said that limited containment was reached, in which the firefighting focus moved from temporarily stopping spread, to allow resources to do structure protection.
Currently, Wolvengat structure protection is ongoing while the municipality confirms it anticipates damages to be reported.
“From the Stanford fire - it spread at speed and significant flame length. Currently, that line has spread as far as Salmonsdam. Valiant efforts by landowners managed to limit damages. We are awaiting feedback from the farmers, including Beloftebos to report their damages.
“From the Pearly Beach line, the fire had already spread to the Agulhas National Park. Structure protection was successfully done. The fire reached farm homes and structures surrounding Elim. Structure protection was done. The fire has reached Elim town. We ask you to keep the town and firefighters in your thoughts while the fire services work to protect the town,” the municipality said.
In a social media post, Paul Swart, shared how the Elim community rallied together in prayer and precautionary action.
“Yesterday, our community faced a very real and frightening threat. A massive fire surrounded Elim and burned dangerously close to Elim houses. It was an extremely tense and emotional time for everyone. Elim consists of nearly 80% (thatch-roof) houses, which makes the risk in situations like this even greater. Fear and panic were real. Yet, what stood out was the incredible unity and courage of our people.
“Residents worked tirelessly, wetting roofs, protecting homes, and looking after one another. Even though our water resources were under pressure and contamination was a concern, the community did not give up. Yesterday afternoon, our people gathered in the church for a prayer session, and later that evening I again joined a prayer meeting at 7.30pm.
“We prayed together, believing that prayer carries power and that we serve a living God. This morning, I give all honour and thanks to the Lord. While there are still isolated areas burning, the fire is now under control. Our village has been spared,” said Swart.
With fires threatening the Overstrand municipality, Elim residents find solace in their community spirit. Through combined firefighting efforts, the impact on local structures, and the unwavering determination of the Elim community curbed mass fire devastation.
Image: Facebook / Paul Swart
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Archie Klaas, said two additional drop-off points have been established at the brewery in Pearly Beach and at Birkenhead Brewery in Stanford.
Donations may also be dropped off at Overstrand Fire Stations in Kleinmond, Pringle Bay, Hermanus, and Gansbaai.
Items needed include:
- Bottled water and cooldrinks.
- Nutritional drinks such as Energade and Powerade.
- Energy bars.
- Saline-based eye drops (to assist those affected by smoke and ash).
- Packets of chips.
- Sweets for sore throats.
Financial contributions can be made to the Whale Coast Business Community Forum’s Standard Bank account number 303211415 using the reference “Overstrand fires”.