Fires still smoulder across Kouga as crews battle flare-ups
The dryest summer in years, howling winds and a relentless blaze have kept firefighters, volunteers, farmers and emergency crews on their feet for nearly a week as wildfires continued to flare and smoulder across the Kouga region of the Eastern Cape — even after major fronts were brought under control.
The battle that began on Thursday was still ongoing on Monday, with fresh flare-ups breaking out across the area.
In his latest update, Kouga mayor Hattingh Bornman said crews were able to stop a sudden outbreak in the Kabeljouws River area, with help from local farmers and volunteers.
However, he said a few smouldering patches remained and were still being dealt with.
“Kabeljouws River area flared up again yesterday [Sunday] afternoon, but teams with local farmers and volunteers were on the scene and able to stop it immediately,” Bornman said.
“Currently, only a few areas are smouldering.”
The Oyster Bay fire — one of the largest fronts last week — is still burning but under control, the mayor added.
Ground crews walked the fire line through the night to keep it contained, and air support is expected to attack the area “with force” later on Monday.
In the Humansdorp area, only a few smoulder smoke lines remain, with teams working to keep them from spreading further.
All this comes after days of dramatic evacuations and widespread disruption.
Large parts of St Francis Bay, Smithtown, Oyster Bay Road, the Kromme River area, Zwartenbosch, Riverside, Linderhof and surrounding farming communities were affected as flames pushed through homes, bush and open fields.
Strong winds and extreme heat drove the fires at speed, forcing families to flee with little warning as walls of smoke and flame closed in.
Temporary shelters were opened for those displaced, while emergency crews battled around the clock to protect homes and critical infrastructure.
The fires also caused power outages in large parts of Humansdorp and the wider Sarah Baartman district after electricity infrastructure was damaged by flames and smoke, though many services have since been restored.
Bornman praised the work of firefighters, volunteers and farmers who worked side by side through the crisis.
“Our fire teams and volunteers are absolutely amazing,” he said.
While the extreme weather has played a major role in the spread of the fires, Bornman said authorities are also investigating possible human causes, including cable thieves and suspected arson in some areas.
IOL News