A wildfire continues to burn in the Keurbooms Soetkraal area of the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, raising concern for nearby farms and settlements, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The fire started on Thursday, 8 January 2026, and is believed to have been caused by lightning. It is burning in steep, hard-to-reach mountain terrain on land managed by South African National Parks. Officials estimate that the fire has already spread across about 10 000 hectares.
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SANParks confirmed that the fire remains active, but teams are working to contain it within planned management boundaries. Some damage to park infrastructure has been recorded, though no injuries have been reported so far.
Firefighters on the ground and in the air are focusing on areas at higher risk. These include private orchards in the Langkloof, as well as homes and small settlements in The Crags, east of Plettenberg Bay. Protecting lives, property and key infrastructure remains the top priority.
SANParks is leading the response with support from MTO Forestry, the Garden Route District Municipality, Goukamma and Bitou municipalities, the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association and local landowners. Farmers have also joined efforts to protect nearby land.
Weather forecasts show no rain in the coming days, which could affect fire behaviour. Teams remain on high alert and are adjusting tactics as conditions change.
SANParks said that if the fire stays within control lines, it could bring long-term ecological benefits, including healthy fynbos regrowth and lower future fire risk.
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Picture: SANParks / Facebook
