Update: 28 October, 10am
The Overstrand Municipality has announced that all roads in the Gansbaai area are now open following a determined firefighting effort to contain a potentially destructive wildfire, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The R43 Gansbaai Road, which runs at the Uilkraalsmond and Baardskeerdersbos crossing, is back in operation, alongside the reopening of Grootbos Road. However, the municipality has advised that road closures may occur on short notice, urging drivers to exercise caution and give way to emergency vehicles.
This announcement follows an intense overnight effort by the Overstrand Municipality’s firefighting teams, who worked diligently to prevent the fire from encroaching on the R43 near Baardskeerdersbos.
According to Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, the weather conditions played a pivotal role in limiting the fire’s spread in the Grootbos area during the cold night.
‘From 6 am, fire crews have been actively engaged at the scenic Uitkyk viewpoint, reinforcing a perimeter around yesterday’s spot fires,’ O’Neill stated.
‘Over the weekend, the blaze had been raging high up in the mountains, but on Monday it transitioned to what we refer to as an urban interface fire, where structures and essential infrastructure are at risk.’
O’Neill extended gratitude to the collaboration among various emergency services and local stakeholders, stating, ‘Thank you to Overstrand Municipality’s Fire Services, Traffic and Law Enforcement, SAPS, Overberg District Municipality Fire, landowners, Working on Fire ground teams, NCC, and goFPA for their hard work.’
Overstrand officials closed the R43 at the Uilkraalsmond and Baardskeerdersbos crossing on 27 October after a fire burned close to the road and thick smoke made the route unsafe.
The municipal update, issued at 2:30pm by Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, says only landowners taking part in firefighting efforts will be allowed through; all other motorists must use the Pearly Beach gravel road.
Earlier at 1:30pm, officials warned the fire line below the viewpoint at Sopieshoogte was expected to cross the Baardskeerdersbos Road soon, prompting the closure of the R43 intersection at the Baardskeerdersbos turn-off.
Overstrand Traffic said the Grootbos gravel road was also affected and could close.
Motorists were urged to obey traffic officials on the scene as conditions changed quickly. Julian Jansen posted a Facebook clip of the conditions; see the video below:
Residents and local radio listeners reported heavy smoke and flare-ups, and community members offered practical detour advice for motorists.
One suggestion from a local volunteer was to head towards Kleinbaai and turn at Penguin Place or use the last left towards Franskraal if smoke is too dense.
Emergency services and municipal teams continue to battle the blaze while police assist with road closures on the Baardskeerdersbos side.
Officials asked people to avoid the area if possible, co-operate with traffic officials and follow their directions to keep both motorists and frontline responders safe.
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Picture: Overstrand Municipality / Facebook
