Stanford and De Kelders
The R43 has had to be closed between Stanford and De Kelders, as a fire rages across Pearly beach.
Dean O’Neill, Municipal Manager of the Overstrand, said in an update on Saturday morning, there were at least three flare ups before 3pm on Friday.
As a result, a fire made a 180-degree turn and spread in an easterly direction, fanned by high wind speeds.
It is burning along the R43, from Duinefontein Game Reserve towards Uilkraalmond.
The area at Pearly Beach Resort is burning with high intensity, with the fire moving to the resort.
The fire is also burning on both sides of Eluxolweni.
Motorists are urged to use the Grootbos/Papiesvlei gravel road detour.
The fire in Stanford Fire, which threatened Die Kop Informal Settlement, is also burning actively and is not yet under control. It has burnt an estimated 5,300 hectares of land in three days.
Twenty three households (23) voluntarily evacuated to the Stanford Community Hall, as a precautionary measure.
No structures were lost at Die Kop.
The South African Air Force (SAAF) Oryx helicopter is expected to be deployed to Stanford on Saturday.
Panthera Africa, a sanctuary for wildcats, in Stanford, was also badly affected by fires, but said all 26 animals, under the care of the organisation, are safe, although some sustained minor injuries and burns.
One is in a critical condition.
Cathrine Nyquist, co-founder of Panthers Africa said “yesterday, they evacuated through thick smoke. Our one-eyed tiger, Arabella, hid in fear, but thankfully, we found her and got her to safety. Several enclosures have been destroyed, and vet care is ongoing. Firefighting efforts continue, and although the sanctuary has no burning flames at the moment, the situation could change at any time as there are still active fires in the area.”
Kouga
Additional resources were deployed to the Vlakteplaas fire, which remains out of control, with tall flames.
The Municipality is using two aircraft, and ground crews to combat the blaze.
Electricity supply to St Francis Bay, Oyster Bay, and Cape St Francis was fully restored on Friday.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Fire and Emergency Department reported veld fires in Greenbushes and Blue Horizon Bay, were brought under control.
Picture: Oasis FM held a prayer evening for fires and rain, at the Jeffreys Bay Amphitheatre, Main Beach.
Important information about Panthers Africa:
💻 DONATE: https://pantheraafrica.com/donate/
Contact: Cathrine +27 76 974 3088
🏦 Banking Details:
Panthera Africa NPC
FNB Account: 62459961142
Branch: 250655
Swift: FIRNZAJJ