Update: 31 October | 7:06pm
Firefighters have made significant progress in containing the Gansbaai wildfire, allowing residents between Blue Horizon and Strandkloof to safely return to their homes after precautionary evacuations were lifted about an hour ago.
Authorities confirmed in their latest Day 7 Update that firefighting teams successfully diverted the fire away from farm structures, marking a turning point in efforts to bring the blaze under control.
However, residents have been urged to remain alert as conditions could still change.
The fire, which has been burning in parts of the Overberg region since earlier in the week, prompted widespread concern as high winds and dry conditions made firefighting efforts challenging.
Ground and aerial crews from Working on Fire, local municipalities, and Overstrand Fire and Rescue have been coordinating suppression operations across several affected zones.
As of this evening, road access in and around Gansbaai remained partially restricted. According to the latest update:
-
Stop-and-Go: R43 Gansbaai road between Pearly Beach and Uilenskraalmond
-
Open: R43 Gansbaai road from the Uilenskraalmond crossing to Baardskeerderbos
-
Closed: Gravel road between De Uijlenes and Grootbos
Authorities continue to monitor hot spots and potential flare-ups as shifting winds pose ongoing risks.
Update: 31 October | 2:30pm
A Greenpop video from the Uilenkraal Valley captures a fragile moment of relief as crews continue to fight smouldering pockets of a wildfire that has swept the landscape near Gansbaai.
Project lead Francois Krige says the main fire is contained, but ‘it’s not yet out’, noting winds and dry conditions that leave room for flare-ups.
Earlier coverage reported that the blaze has affected nearly 1 700 hectares, including parts of Greenpop’s long-term reforestation sites and the Reforest Fest planting areas.
Local teams and municipal crews have worked through steep and difficult terrain to protect seedlings and mature trees.
Krige underlined decades of proactive work, including wide firebreaks, sustained alien clearing and a woodchip-based reforestation method.
This ongoing work by the project (for the last 20 years) helped shield the old-growth Platbos and Bodhi Forest remnants and most restoration plots from total loss.
He thanked community volunteers and donors for the rapid support that bolstered frontline morale.
The outpouring of public support translated into swift fundraising success. Greenpop’s emergency appeal exceeded its initial target, allowing teams to replace damaged equipment and keep mop-up operations running.
That support paid for a replacement vehicle and fuel to sustain patrols while crews continue cautious operations into the weekend.
What comes next is steady work. Teams will maintain patrols, widen and repair firebreaks where the landscape now offers natural defence lines and plan replanting for lost Reforest Fest 2025 seedlings at Reforest Fest 2026.
The incident shows how long-term preparation and collective action can reduce ecological and property losses when wildfires strike.
Gansbaai blaze threatens Uilenkraal forest and reforestation project | 29 October 2025
A fast-moving wildfire has ripped through the Uilenkraal Valley near Gansbaai, damaging nearly 1700 hectares of land to date. This damage includes the land where Greenpop conducts its long-term reforestation work and its annual Reforest Fest project.
Local crews are fighting to protect seedlings and mature trees after flames spread across steep slopes and difficult terrain, leaving equipment battered and teams exhausted.
See the Overberg District Municipality update from 8 hours ago below:
‘I want to just give you some context. I just want to give you some context as to what’s going on here […] there’s many men alone here but it’s not that there’s a small crew there. It’s just a huge area and I mean you can hear choppers and bakkies there and they’re just fires popping up literally everywhere.’ CEO Misha Teasdale notes in the video.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
Greenpop’s video from the scene captures the scale and urgency.
‘It is, it’s a real story,’ Teasdale says, describing helicopters and multiple spot fires in the valley while he is on the ground. The organisation reports immediate costs and damaged vehicles as crews continue mopping-up operations.
Project lead Francois Krige told Greenpop that equipment failures have worsened the operation’s burden, noting ‘broken bits almost equivalent to an entire bakkiesakkie’ and multiple tyre and rim failures.
To sustain the response for the coming days, Greenpop has launched an urgent R100 000 appeal to cover specialist repairs, fuel and continued crew support. Readers can donate via the campaign page.
The loss goes beyond trees. Uilenkraal’s restoration work supports local biodiversity and the community events that bring volunteers and tourism to the area.
Greenpop asks the public to share the fundraiser and the on-scene video to raise funds and awareness while crews secure the site.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: Overstrand Municipality/Facebook
