Update
GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - This is an update with regards to the ongoing fires in George, on behalf of the Western Cape Fire Services.
The aerial and ground suppression continues. A total of 9km of backburns are currently being put in place with approximately 5km already completed and a further backburn to be actioned tonight along the top of the Witfontein Plantation in order to protect vulnerable neighbourhoods.
The wind direction is expected to remain Southerly tonight which is to the advantage of the firefighting teams and which will push the smoke and the flames up against the mountain.
Garden Route District Municipality, CapeNature, George Municipality, Working on Fire, Cape Pine, MTO Forestry, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, Transnet, Farmers and Landowners continue to carry out active fire suppression operations. Currently more than 250 fire-fighters are actively suppressing the fire supported by eight Skid Units, three Tankers, two Huey Helicopters and two 802 Fixed wing bombers.
Four additional Working on Fire Teams have been dispatched from the Free State to assist. Additional structure firefighting resources have been placed on standby and will be deployed once the fire reaches predetermined points.
A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) helicopter has been placed on standby to assist should the need arise.
There's still no current threat to people and infrastructure. Follow instructions from emergency services and monitor local media for OFFICIAL updates.
The Outeniqua pass remains closed to traffic.
Read more articles and watch a video about the fires on sister newspaper, George Herald
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