OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Garden Route District Wildfire Update: Swartberg Mountains, Oudtshoorn, 03 January @ 21:15
The wildfire in the Swartberg Mountains, remains a concern.
• Division Alpha is extinguished.
• Division Zulu (northeast of De Hoek Mountain Resort) remains active, with the fire spreading west towards Bothas Hoek. Strong, shifting winds have made firefighting efforts challenging, though a hiker’s hut was protected. Crews continue to monitor and suppress the fire, especially as it nears the De Hoek Mountain Resort's trigger line.
• Division C in the Central Karoo District has seen progress with mopping-up operations, and the northern lines are contained. The only active fire is on the ridge northeast.
• Division Yankee in the southeastern part is still active in tough terrain, especially near Rus & Vrede Waterfall. Crews are focused on the southernmost area.
No infrastructure has been impacted or is currently at risk. Crews remain deployed overnight to monitor and suppress the fire where possible. Aerial resources are planned for tomorrow's operations to further contain the fire, including trooping in firefighters.
The GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, praised the firefighting teams for their unwavering dedication in battling the wildfire, particularly under extreme heat conditions. He commended their endurance and the selflessness they have shown in the past few days, recognising the sacrifices made by the firefighters to protect the community and its environment.
Stakeholders in the response include GRDM, CapeNature, Working on Fire, and Oudtshoorn Municipality.
If you spot a wildfire, please report it immediately to the GRDM Emergency Call Centre: 044 805 5071 or via WhatsApp: 081 709 5193.
Issued by GRDM Communications.
