A devastating wildfire is sweeping through the Kouga Municipality in South Africa, forcing families to flee their homes as firefighters battle to contain the blaze. The fire, which is being fueled by strong winds, has already damaged homes and properties in the Kromme River and Smith Town areas.
According to authorities, three major fires are still burning in the region, with helicopters providing aerial support to firefighters on the ground. The Kouga Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, confirmed that three helicopters have been dispatched to strengthen operations. Despite the challenges, officials say that no new evacuations are needed at this stage, and all roads have been reopened.
The fire, which started near Hankey and Oyster Bay, has spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds. On Thursday, the municipality ordered urgent evacuations for people living along the R330 near Hankey and nearby poultry farms. Families on farms near Oyster Bay Road and around the Kromme River and Riverside were also evacuated. The N2 between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay was closed temporarily, causing heavy congestion, but has since reopened.
Humanitarian group Gift of the Givers has been assisting the affected communities, working with firefighters, farmers, the South African Police Service, and community groups. The organization has sent a water tanker from Adelaide to Kouga and is delivering water to communities in Zoar, Ladismith, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay. Teams are also supplying firefighters with food and drinks, fuel for farmers’ water pumps, and support for evacuees at shelters.
The municipality is closely monitoring the situation, particularly with regards to the water supply, after an electrical outage raised concerns about the water supply to St Francis Bay. However, officials say that the water supply remains stable at this stage. The Gift of the Givers is continuing to provide support to the affected communities, and the municipality is working to ensure that the fire is brought under control as soon as possible. The situation is being closely watched, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from authorities.
