Two separate wildfires that have been burning in Plattekloof (Korinterivier) and Hectorskraal in the Hessequa Municipal area have been contained.
“Moderate drizzle throughout the evening assisted in containing the [Plattekloof] wildfire. There are currently no open flames or much smoke visible from the fire lines. Firefighters on the ground have reported that conditions are currently cool with a slight drizzle,” said the Hessequa municipality in a statement.
“Garden Route District Municipality firefighting crew members will remain in the area and patrol parts of the South-eastern fire line in the direction of Riversdale to monitor and ensure that all hotspots on the perimeter are extinguished.”
Landowner and surrounding farmers will monitor the area affected in Hectorskraal.
The fires began on Thursday, July 9. The head of the Plattekloof fire threatened to spread into inaccessible terrain, and in the direction of properties south-east and in the direction of Riversdale.
“Firefighting efforts would not have been possible without the assistance of local landowners, Working on Fire (WoF) teams, as well as Fire Protection Association (FPA) representatives. The strong wind conditions made it extremely difficult to not only block the wildfire but also to keep everyone safe.”
Nine homes of farm workers were also saved by the firefighting efforts.
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