Cape Town is reeling from one of the most devastating wildfires in recent memory, with flames scorching more than 100,000 hectares across the Western Cape province. Authorities report that the blazes, which have also encroached into parts of the Eastern Cape, remain uncontained, prompting mass evacuations to safer zones.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde addressed the crisis on Saturday via public broadcaster SABC, revealing that the fires have spread province-wide. ‘The situation is dire, with significant impacts in Mossel Bay, Du Noon near Cape Town, and Pearl Beach,’ he stated. No fatalities have been reported, but a young child in Mossel Bay required hospitalization, and several firefighters suffered smoke inhalation.
Efforts to combat the inferno have intensified, with an unprecedented deployment of helicopters, including a military one, dropping water on the hotspots. Mossel Bay has seen the heaviest destruction, though municipal officials noted no active flames by Saturday morning. Dry weather and strong winds, however, keep teams on high alert.
In Pearl Beach, under the Overstrand municipality, evacuations are underway along Alex Ovenden and Broadway Street, with residents relocated to community halls. Overstrand manager Dean O’Neill emphasized that human lives are the top priority. ‘We urge residents in other areas to stay vigilant; further evacuations may be necessary if conditions worsen,’ he warned.
Across the border in the Eastern Cape, Kouga municipality firefighters continue battling unstable fires in heavily affected regions. Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane expressed profound concern late Friday, highlighting the timing during peak summer tourism season. Iconic tourist spots are now at risk, threatening the region’s vital economy.
As aerial and ground teams push back against the relentless blaze, the focus remains on containment and resident safety. Meteorologists predict persistent dry conditions, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance in this fire-prone fynbos landscape.
