By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo: Deon Ferreira.
The Kouga Municipality has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road and the Kromme River areas following raging fires in the area.
The municipality said the fire was raging on both sides of the road and urged people to evacuate the area immediately.
Since Tuesday, residents along the Garden Route have been battling uncontrollable veld fires, with Nelson Mandela Bay having been the first to experience fires this week.
Kouga Mayor Hattingh Bornman says fire fighters are working extremely hard to contain the fires.
“With the increasing wind and change of direction, the fire has flared up again and currently we have two situations – on the R330 between Humansdorp and Hankey, as well as St Francis and Humansdorp. There are two fires and the one on the Kromme River is out of control; and we are asking residents who live close by to evacuate with immediate effect so that we don’t suffer any loss of life.”
Bornman said, temporary accommodation will be provided for displaced residents.
Residents requiring assistance or further information can contact the Emergency Control Room on 042 291 0250 or the municipal call centre on 042 200 2200.
Due to the advancing fire, the N2 between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay has been closed, with all traffic diverted via the R102. Authorities have urged motorists to avoid the area and adhere strictly to official instructions.
Fullview understands that the fires started since December, Johan Cloete of Farm Comm PE said volunteer firefighting crews had responded to about eight major fires in the past two weeks alone.
“The main problem is that conditions are extremely dry, and the combination of heat and strong winds is significantly worsening the situation,” Cloete said.
Most fires have started in dense bush, making them difficult to reach in their early stages. Crews are often forced to wait until flames move into more accessible terrain before launching a full response – a delay that can prove costly when winds change suddenly.