Residents of the Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay areas are being evacuated after a fire that broke out on New Year’s Eve turned into a runaway blaze that has not yet abated. It is reported that the fire was caused by a flare.
Residents who have been affected by the blaze or are in imminent danger thereof are being directed and taken to Crassula Hall in Betty’s Bay.
The blaze has so far resulted in the death of one resident and two others being seriously injured, while a separate victim sustained minor injuries.
“With huge regret, we have to report the loss of life during the early hours of this morning,” Theo Layne, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, said in a statement. “Our sincere condolences to the family.”
Speaking to EWN, Overstrand Fire Chief Lester Smith explained that the evacuations are simply a precaution. “The fire moves quickly because of the strong south-easterly wind. For precautionary measures, we evacuated Pringle Bay to ensure that we can protect structures as well as the safety of the people within Pringle Bay,” he said.
Law Enforcement officers, Traffic officials and South African Police Services (SAPS) officers are on the scene and are ensuring residents are moved to safety quickly and efficiently.
It is reported that the smallholdings along Reservoir Road are in the most danger of being razed, while the R44 between Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay has been closed as a result of the thick smoke caused by the fire creating poor visibility conditions for motorists.
Western Cape – R44 Route: (Update): ROAD CLOSED between Rooiels and Bettys Bay due to a fire at Pringle Bay – use N2 via Sir Lowrys Pass pic.twitter.com/EYx15Mwcz9
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) January 3, 2019
Nightmare unfolding in our beloved Pringle Bay as fire caused by NYE flare now burns out of control, fueled by gale force winds. Heading into town and residents told to evacuate. Praying for everyone’s safety and that our home can be saved. ? pic.twitter.com/9rhN6mqC5M
— Mariette dT-Helmbold (@MariettedTH) January 3, 2019
Huge fire in pringle bay just evacuated! pic.twitter.com/vRxMb7J4ZN
— +27714808349 (@BPUxyjK5943d08V) January 3, 2019
Please note that the R44 Main Road from Betty’s Bay to Pringle Bay are closed due to a large fire at Pringle Bay – motorists from Hermanus are advised to use the N2 and go over Sir Lowry’s Pass and vice versa. pic.twitter.com/SriOYkobqg
— Kleinmond Tourism (@HangklipT) January 3, 2019
Picture: Rob Breezy/Twitter
