A full evacuation order was given shortly after 13:00 today for all residents of Pringle Bay to leave their homes as raging flames, fanned on by strong gusts of wind, swept down the mountain and encroached the residential area.
It was reported that approximately 120 firefighters, 30 vehicles and three helicopters were involved in firefighting efforts in the coastal town where a number of structures, including the Hangklip Hotel, burned down or were damaged on Monday.
Although the situation was reported to be under control early this morning (Tuesday 30 January) with only an active fire-line in the mountain above Pringle Bay, conditions quickly deteriorated with strong winds complicating firefighting efforts.
Smaller fires in the area, said the municipality, had been contained, leaving firefighters only battling the inferno in Pringle Bay.
In a statement released by Overstrand Municipality at about 12:00, residents were warned to be on standby to evacuate their homes. By 12:30, Code Red was declared and residents of Brodie Link were ordered to evacuate. The rapid spread of the flames led to a full evacuation order for the whole of Pringle Bay a short while later.
Overstrand Municipality made the Kleinmond Town Hall available to destitute residents and their pets.
In a voice note Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie described the situation as “completely unpredictable” with the “wind playing havoc”.
She praised the firefighters for doing a “remarkable job” despite the very trying conditions.
Out of control
The Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association reported that the fire at Buffeljags was burning out of control with two distinct fires burning at Ratelrivier (Sanparks) and Buffeljags.
With regard to the Ratelrivier fire, goFPA stated: “We have to wait for the lines to reach lower veld from where we can attack it. All role players involved in planning and preparation. Sanparks are protecting their structures. No threat to Suiderstrand at the moment.”
The fire at Buffelsjag, said goFPA, is currently burning across a wide area. It added that the settlement and factories have been made safe. “A burn will take place shortly to secure the line, on coast, in the Hagelkraal reserve.”
Overstrand Municipality urged curious onlookers and “disaster tourists” flocking to the area to refrain from entering areas where firefighting vehicles are.
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill also appealed to hikers to avoid hiking trails in the mountains at Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay.
“Hikers have been spotted on the Brodie Link Trail in Pringle Bay and the Blesberg Trail in Betty’s Bay this morning (30 January).
“This is an urgent appeal to hikers to not go hiking in the mountains of Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay because of the ongoing wildfire risk. If a fire should flare-up again, it could strand hikers on trails without a moment’s notice. Fire fighters won’t be able to reach hikers then,” he warned.Help our heroes
Those who would like to assist with donations to firefighters, volunteers and emergency and traffic personnel, can do so by dropping off goods at the Hermanus Fire and Rescue and Disaster Management offices in Mussel Road, Hermanus. They are open 24 hours per day. Alternatively, people can contact their local ward councillor in this regard.
The list of suggested items are:
• Energy bars and trail mix
• Chocolates
• Bottled Water
• Energade
• Soft drinks (500ml and smaller to make it easy to distribute)
• Eye drops
• Instant Coffee
• Boxes of unopened long-life milk.