Update
OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The Swartberg veld fire, which started on 11 January, remains uncontrolled.
On the northern side of Middelwater (north-western and north-eastern sections), the fire has crossed the mountain crest and is now burning into the Central Karoo area. The western and eastern flanks are burning from the south-west and south-east, respectively, with isolated pockets also burning over the crest.
On the northern plateau, a game farm lies in the projected path of the fire.
Planned actions for today include a ground crew working along the south-eastern fire line, west of Meijersrust. A team has been positioned on the northern side of the mountain to track the fire’s progress down the slope.
A southerly wind is forecast from 15:00, with expected gusts of up to 30 km/h until 19:00. For this reason, a ground crew will be redeployed to the game farm.
Stakeholders involved in the response include the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), CapeNature, the Oudtshoorn Municipality, Working on Fire, and the Central Karoo District Municipality.
Members of the public who spot a veld fire are urged to report it immediately to the GRDM Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or via WhatsApp on 081 709 5193.
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