Raging wildfires force evacuations, road closures across Eastern and Western Cape

By Johnathan Paoli

Firefighters across the Eastern and Western Cape remain under extreme pressure as widespread wildfires continue to burn out of control in several regions, driven by high temperatures, strong and shifting winds, and prolonged dry conditions.

Authorities in both provinces have issued urgent evacuation orders, closed major transport routes and mobilised extensive aerial and ground firefighting resources as the fire season intensifies.

In the Eastern Cape, the Kouga Municipality has issued an immediate evacuation order for residents in several high-risk areas as fires rage uncontrollably.

Residents of the Zwartenbosch area along the R330 towards Hankey were instructed to evacuate without delay after flames spread on both sides of the road, threatening homes, farms and nearby infrastructure, including a poultry farm in the area.

The municipality said the cause of the fire remains unknown, but worsening weather conditions have significantly hampered containment efforts.

Dense smoke has also forced the closure of the N2 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp, with motorists urged to avoid the area entirely.

Kouga Mayor Hattingh Bornman said firefighters were dealing with multiple active fire fronts as winds repeatedly changed direction.

“With the increasing wind and change of direction, the fire has flared up again and currently we have two situations; on the R330 between Humansdorp and Hankey, as well as between St Francis and Humansdorp. The fire on the Kromme River is out of control, and we are asking residents who live close by to evacuate with immediate effect so that we don’t suffer any loss of life,” Bornman said.

The evacuation order also extends to residents along Oyster Bay Road, surrounding farming areas, and the Kromme River and Riverside communities.

Authorities urged residents not to delay and to follow instructions from emergency services, confirming that temporary accommodation would be made available for displaced families.