Firefighters are battling the blaze near Buffeljagsbaai and Pearly Beach that continues to blaze out of control.
Although some light drizzle fell in the area last night it wasn’t sufficient to dampen the growth of the blaze that continues to burn in difficult terrain where the fuel load is dense and alien vegetation is hampering firefighting efforts.
Firefighters of Overstrand Fire and Rescue Services are assisted by crews from Overberg District Municipality, City of Cape Town, George Municipality, Garden Route District Municipality, Stellenbosch Municipality, Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (goFPA), Working on Fire (WoF), SanParks, CapeNature, provincial government, the police, traffic officials, land owners and other role-players.
As a result of heavy smoke causing poor visibility, the R43 at the Pearly Beach crossing has been closed to traffic. Officials are on scene to monitor and redirect traffic.
People who were evacuated from Pearly Beach Resort were allowed to return after the evacuation order was lifted.
Overstrand Municipality has warned that, although there are no active fire lines in the Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay areas, residents should remain on alert as there are a number of burned areas that remain hot and could flare up.
Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill said it is expected that the strong south-easterly wind that is predicted, will hamper ongoing mop-up operations.
“Conditions can change without warning and residents must stay alert,” he said. “All roads are open.”
