A fast-moving wildfire is tearing through a pine plantation near Kurland, just outside Plettenberg Bay, on the Garden Route. The blaze is currently affecting three plantation blocks, though no buildings are under threat at this stage.
According to the Garden Route Bitou Municipality, strong north and north-west winds are fuelling the fire, making it difficult for crews to contain the spread. Motorists travelling along Nature’s Valley Road are being urged to drive with caution as thick smoke continues to reduce visibility.
As wind conditions are expected to ease after 1pm, firefighting teams are preparing to move in on foot, using hand tools to cut fire lines. Their immediate goal is to halt the fire at the 4×4 track that runs west to east through the plantation.
Garden Route District Municipality Fire Chief Deon Stoffels says crews are focusing efforts on the gap between plantation blocks two and three to prevent the blaze from jumping the road and threatening the southern plantation. ‘Rain is due on Thursday at 10:00,’ says Stoffels, who believes the incoming weather will support firefighting efforts.
The district municipality has deployed two skid units and one tanker, while Bitou Fire has contributed another two skid units and a tanker.
Additional tankers are being supplied by Mountain to Ocean. All teams are working in coordination to bring the fire under control.
Authorities are scouting the area for potential aerial support and are on standby to call in extra ground crews if conditions worsen.
The public should report new fires to the GRDM Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or via WhatsApp on 081 709 5193.
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Aerial photos reveal scars from wildfires that scorched over 3 000 hectares
Picture: Garden Route Municipality / GDRM Communications
