By Johnathan Paoli
Western Cape authorities have confirmed damage caused by raging veld fires in and around Mossel Bay, following the evacuation of residents from several neighbourhoods over Tuesday night as strong winds hampered containment efforts.
The Mossel Bay Municipality said multiple structures and vehicles had been destroyed after the fire spread into residential areas, particularly in Vakansieplaas and Aalwyndal, with emergency services working through the night to protect lives and limit further losses.
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While the exact number of damaged homes was still being verified, local officials acknowledged that the destruction was significant, with reports indicating that at least 10 homes had been lost.
Residents from Island View, Vakansieplaas and Aalwyndal were evacuated on Tuesday evening as flames encroached on urban areas.
Many homeowners were forced to flee with little notice, assisted by emergency personnel amid thick smoke and rapidly shifting fire lines driven by strong winds.
By midnight, the fire had not yet been contained, the municipality said, prompting continued overnight operations.
Aerial firefighting support, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, was withdrawn at around 7 pm due to low light and unsafe flying conditions.
Ground crews, however, remained actively deployed on fire lines throughout the night.
To bolster nighttime efforts, the municipality said a drone equipped with infrared technology was used to determine the extent of the blaze and identify active hotspots.
Despite these efforts, two firefighters sustained injuries during operations and were treated for their wounds.
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The N2 highway between the Langeberg Mall off-ramp and Dana Bay was closed to traffic due to heavy smoke and poor visibility, disrupting travel along the Garden Route.
The Joint Operations Centre confirmed that the highway reopened just after 5am on Wednesday once conditions improved.
Firefighting resources were drawn from multiple municipalities, including Mossel Bay, Garden Route, Hessequa and George.
Several water trucks were also deployed, supplemented by private individuals who volunteered equipment and assistance.
The coordinated response was overseen by emergency services from the Garden Route District.
While damage to municipal infrastructure was reported, authorities said electricity supply in affected areas remained stable.
There were, however, reports of damage to Wi-Fi infrastructure, raising concerns about communication disruptions for residents and businesses.
In nearby Pearly Beach, fire conditions were described as calmer on the fourth day of a separate blaze that began on Sunday and later reignited due to strong winds.
Overstrand municipal manager Dean O’Neill said authorities had been able to reopen several key routes by early Wednesday morning.
“At 6am we reopened the R43 Gansbaai to Pearly Beach crossing to traffic,” O’Neill said, adding that the Pearly Beach main road and the Baardskeerdersbos/Pearly Beach gravel road were also open, despite a few remaining hotspots.
Fire services continued to monitor these areas closely.
The R43 towards Buffeljagsbaai, however, remained closed.
O’Neill confirmed that two structures on a farm adjacent to the R43 had been destroyed and two others damaged.
“Some damage has occurred to municipal infrastructure. However, the electricity supply remains stable,” he said.
Evacuated residents across affected areas were accommodated by family and friends, while nearby guesthouses, private homes and the ATKV Hartenbos schools provided temporary shelter.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid affected areas, and follow official updates as fire crews work to fully contain the blazes and assess the full extent of the damage.
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