Firefighters across the Overberg are hard at work to contain a number of fires that are being fanned by strong winds.
The Fire Danger Index issued by the Greater Overberg Fire Protection indicates an extremely high danger of veld fires across the district. The FDI for Caledon is the highest at 85%, with Grabouw 83, Kleinmond 84, Swellendam 79, Gansbaai 76, Hermanus 77, Villiersdorp 71 and Bredasdorp 46.Theewaterskloof Municipality reported on Monday (29 January) that firefighters are attending to multiple fires in the Grabouw area.
“The Overberg District Municipality fire services has dispatched resources from other stations in Theewaterskloof and the district to help fight the fires in Grabouw,” reads a statement by the municipality. Aerial firefighting (helicopters) support has also been activated.Residents should be on high alert and report all fires to the district fire department on 028 425 1690. Alternatively call Theewaterskloof Municipality’s toll-free Emergency Contact Center on 080 021 4730.
“Don’t assume someone else has already called the fire services!!!” the municipality warned. Firefighters in the Overstrand are busy attending to a fire that broke out near Pearly Beach as well as a smaller fire in Sandbaai. The Pearly Beach fire, said the municipality, is burning out of control.“Aerial and ground resources have been activated to assist with fire suppression activities,” OM municipal manager Dean O’Neill stated. The Buffeljags road is closed and Overstrand Traffic officers are on the scene to divert traffic. The R43 between Pearly Beach and Buffeljagsbaai will also be temporarily closed due to heavy smoke and low visibility from the wildfire. Motorists are advised to avoid that area. “The situation may change on short notice, depending on conditions,” O’Neill warned.Resources on scene include – Overstrand Fire and Rescue Services, Overstrand Traffic, Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association, CapeNature, SanParks, FMU members, Kishugu aviation and Working on Fire ground teams.The municipality confirmed that firefighters have also been dispatched to fires in Pringle Bay, Hangklip, at the Kleinmond crossing and Silversands Beach in Betty’s Bay.Visibility is poor and motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution and headlights.Fires in the Overstrand can be reported to Overstrand and Rescue Services on 028 313 8111/8170/8140/8137.