Kouga wildfires continue after three days, residents urged to stay alert
After three gruelling days of nonstop firefighting in the Kouga region, crews are still battling multiple wildfires across the municipality, with some blazes under control while others continue to burn dangerously.
While progress has been made in certain areas, conditions remain volatile, and flare-ups are occurring without warning, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution.
“The fire has been extinguished in St Francis Bay and the area is under continuous monitoring for potential flare-ups,” the Kouga Municipality said.
“The road towards Paradise Beach is also being closely monitored.”
However, other areas remain under severe threat. Fires along the Kabeljauws River are reportedly out of control, with flames moving towards Sonop Farm and Hankey.
Response teams, supported by aerial resources, are actively battling the blaze under challenging conditions.
The fire advancing towards Hankey from Zuurbron behind the mountain range is also being managed on the ground, while a second fire north of Humansdorp, behind the Melkhout Substation, is proving difficult due to terrain, with additional ground support deployed.
In Humansdorp, the fire between the town and Jeffreys Bay, between the N2 and R102, is reportedly under control.
On the outskirts of the municipality, two more fires are burning: one near Kareedouw has crossed into the Kouga area from the R62, and the other is near the Van Stadens River Mouth, originating from Nelson Mandela Bay. At this stage, authorities say there is no immediate threat to properties.
Mayor Hattingh Bornman called on residents to take precautions and heed the municipality’s warnings.
“Residents are urgently requested to avoid and/or cancel all large events, functions, and gatherings in fire-prone areas until further notice. Open flames, braais, and any activities that may pose a fire risk are strongly discouraged,” Bornman said.
The National SPCA is on the ground assisting with animal rescue and care, working closely with response teams.
Aerial support continues to douse active fire lines, while additional assistance has arrived from Beyers Naudé Municipality and Working on Fire teams from outside the Kouga region. Further external support is being mobilised.
The municipality expressed gratitude to all firefighters, farmers, volunteers, community members, businesses, and supporting municipalities.
“Your dedication is invaluable,” the municipality said.
Residents are urged to report any flare-ups immediately and avoid affected areas to allow emergency teams to operate safely.
IOL News