The fire at Pearly beach remains out of control.
As a result, the Overstrand Municipality issued a ‘Code Red’ warning, as wind speed increases.
Lester Smith, Fire Chief at the Municipality, explained a Code Red, as “our resources are stretched and we require additional resources from neighbouring municipalities for assistance.”
The fire jumped the R43 road towards the entrance of Pearly Beach.
Smith urged residents to be aware that the fire may move closer to residential areas and should be prepared for a possible evacuation in Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni.
“Please make way for fire and emergency vehicles. Do not block roads or access routes, and avoid becoming a fire tourist.”
Due to heavy smoke in the area, the R43 near Gansbaai, between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing, has been closed again due to poor visibility.
The detour route is a gravel road.
Motorists are advised to switch on their headlights and reduce speed, as visibility is poor due to dust and uneven road surfaces in several sections.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire Services, reported at least three more fires on Thursday- Langrug in Franschhoek, also out of control, strong north-westerly winds are pushing the fire towards Franschhoek, the town.
Another fire that has crossed from the Overberg into the Winelands is the one in Stormsvlei.
A third fire is at the De Wet Cellar in Worcester, which is threatening visibility on the N1.
The CWDM said it deployed a team to Stanford and Pearly Beach to assist the Overstrand Municipality.
Further up in Gqeberha, a fire jumped the R330 (Hankey direction) and is now spreading towards the Kabeljous River, behind the Nature’s Valley Private Game Reserve, moving in the direction of the Ubuntu Bricks Factory area.
Because the fire is advancing rapidly, the N2 between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay, is temporarily closed.
All traffic is being diverted via the R102.
Picture: Supplied