With the recent spate of raging wildfires across the Western Cape over the past two weeks, the Western Cape Government (WCG) has approached the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) for a provincial disaster classification.
Also read: Dozens of firefighters continue to battle blazes across the province
‘A provincial disaster classification will empower the Premier and the Minister of Finance to move funding as and when we need it to sustain our firefighting efforts,’ said Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell.
According to Minister Bredell, the current hot and windy conditions, combined with several wildfires burning in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts, necessitate a large and coordinated firefighting effort, and the provincial government needs to be able to respond to a fast-changing situation.
‘We have the necessary resources available to address the wildfires, but the disaster declaration will give us the ability to coordinate optimally. We are doing everything to protect lives and property,’ said Bredell.
Bredell also urged the public to report any sightings of a fire as quickly as possible to the closest authorities.
‘Experience over many years has taught us that the faster the initial response, the better our chances are of successfully controlling a fire before it spirals out of control,’ he added.
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Currently, the five-day wildfire in Pringle Bay has been extinguished with no active fire lines present; however, some burned areas remain hot and are prone to flare-ups as fire crews conduct mop-up operations amid strong south-easterly winds predicted.
As of this morning, the Buffeljags wildfire continues to burn out of control on its fifth day. It is approaching Pearly Beach with a high and dense fuel load. Alien vegetation is also hampering firefighting activities. However, there is no danger to property at this stage and crews are still busy with active fire fighting.
NCC Wildfires also reported that a fire crew has been dispatched to a new fire in Montagu.
Meanwhile, wildfires continue in Kluitjieskraal, Wolseley, Brandvlei, Rawsonville and Fairy Glen, Worcester. Extreme heat and very windy conditions are currently hampering firefighting attempts.
The following numbers can be contacted to report any fire sightings:
- City of Cape Town: 107 or 021 480 7700
- Cape Winelands: 021 887 4446
- Overberg: 028 425 1690
- West Coast: 022 433 8700
- Garden Route: 044 805 5071
- Central Karoo: 023 414 2603
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Picture: Overstrand Municipality / Facebook