What promised to be a lovely summer weekend for the Cape has turned into a disaster for many residents of the normally sleepy fruit-growing region of Elgin, in the Overberg.
A fire has been raging in the valley since Saturday, with around 75 firefighters and a full compliment of firetrucks, water bombers and helicopters are reportedly still battling the blaze.
Several areas nearby have been evacuated, with the fire already claiming structures on three separate farms around the Houwhoek Pass. No injuries have been reported, but the fires even threatened popular boutique resort Old MacDaddy. Thankfully, the resort remains standing, with the owners no doubt fearing they would suffer the same fate as the Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge, which was burnt down in the Cape Fires of March 2015.
Residents of Gordon’s Bay experienced incredible sunsets as a result of the smoke from the Elgin fire and even on my own drive into the Cape Town CBD this morning from the Tableview area, I was treated to a blood red sunrise. It’s incredible to think that something as destructive as a bush fire could produce such stunning images:
Photography courtesy @loveoverberg, VWS Wildfires, @WelshPixie and Bryan Mennie
There is a rumor flying these fires started under questionable circumstances, so in other terms ARSON. One guess who will be behind this, unfortunately proving it will be difficult.
Avril HansmeyerJoss HansmeyerHenry Hansmeyer this is what we saw yesterday
The poor animals in the area!
The poor fireman must be so very exhausted with all these fires. I think to of all the precious animals.
I do hope it wasn’t arson
Seems to be systematic !!!
Is the n2 still closed ?
Has been re-opened last I heard. Might want to keep an ear on the radio for updates.
Hope so too.
Believe vineyards have been lost U0001f614
I bet you its arson! The Cape Town ones are!
So sad 🙁
No elec in whole of Hermanus area since 5 am as the power substation burnt down and the Eskom guys can’t even get to it as its still smouldering.
A person was see starting a fire. Definitely arson.
Jenni Bessesen Really!!
So very sad ! Thinking off all those Fire fighters who are working so hard! Can u imagine the heat they must be feeling! Thank u to each and everyone off u! Take care !!! Those starting it … Well the one above sees it all …
We got no electricity in Stanforc due to Botriver substation that burt down who knows when it can be fixed hope they find the person who started this horrible fire
These fires were started on purpose. It is a despicable thing to do. That person is a psychopathic mass murderer of thousands of small animals and maybe even some people.
It was bad between Glencairn and Fish Hoek as well
It is devastating! The firefighters are heros. Bless you!
Terrible. Thank G-d for our amazing firefighters.
They should declare it a disaster area.
Malin Menzel Neil Langford … Pictures from some of the fires we drove past today!!
Very sad. Will say a prayer for all those that have suffered a terrible loss. May the Lord give you the strength to carry-on, God bless you. Amen
o no 🙁
Yes pretty impressing U0001f633
terrible..may we b blessed with rain soon
Prayers for our firefighters. Our HEROES
What’s going on in the WC? Fires! Fires! It’s destroying the fauna and flora!
Have just spent the most wonderful time in this beautiful part of South Africa. Hermanus so lovely.Spent two weeks in Napier. Hope all will be okay have family in the Overburg. How can anyone want to do this?
Praying for everyone in the areas . I hope it pours down to assist with quenching the flames.
Horrible ! Every year this fires. Love Cape Town!
This is so awful
Pretty normal for this time of year actually. Just glad they’re mostly managing to keep the big ones under control.
From last year Feb until now…just goes on and on…..
We drove through there today! Devastating! U0001f622
Whew…..this is terrible