Firefighters have been continuously battling several fires raging in the Western Cape from Tuesday morning. Between Albertinia and Gouritzmond in the Hessequa region, a fire broke out around 9am on Tuesday and was burning on both sides of the Gouritz River. This is according to Garden Route District Municipality spokesperson Herman Pieters.
Another fire broke out in the Hoeko area, as well as the Bitou region.
A fire was also reported in Greyton Nature Reserve in the Overberg a week ago, and is still burning. According to reports, the fire was caused by malignant ignition. This amid warnings form SA Weather Service of strong to gale force north-westerly winds expected from midday on Tuesday until Thursday, and this poses a threat to all involved as it will no doubt increase difficulty in containing the fires.
#WildFire Greyton and Genadendal area fires raging on. @News24 @crimewatch202 @1SecondLater @Abramjee @SABCNewsOnline @eNCA @eNCAWeather pic.twitter.com/ivBSrhOOa1
— BOSBEER.COM (@BOSBEER2006) December 17, 2019
“Two spotters, a bomber and a chopper are out to assist the Garden Route District Municipality in suppressing the fire,” said Working on Fire spokesperson, Limakatso Khalianyane. He added that they had deployed firefighters and aerial resources to the Hessequa fires.
“The fire is ongoing at this point, and it is unclear what caused it. We have also sent three firefighter teams, which are in Riversdale, George and Albertinia. Each team has a fire truck,” Khalianyane said.
⚠️Fire Update⚠️#GreytonFire Day 2
WoF has dispatched two fire-trucks and four teams: Swellendam, Walkerbay, Vrolijkheid and the Hotshot crew to assist.#SavingLives @OverbergFPA @CapeNature1 @WesternCapeGov @environmentza @CPFPA1 @chairpersonsfpa
Pics: @OverbergFPA pic.twitter.com/mEqkOvEzzA— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) December 12, 2019
The N2 is reportedly covered by thick smoke, and motorists are urged to avoid the affected areas. The N2 is not closed but provincial traffic officers are on site. Residents of the Western Cape are reminded to report any observed behaviour that could lead to fires, report any fires immediately and apply the utmost safety measures at all times to avoid any further fires.
Picture: Twitter/Working on Fire