Wildfires rage across Eastern and Western Cape as evacuations continue

By Johnathan Paoli

Wildfires continue to burn across large parts of the Eastern and Western Cape, forcing evacuations, damaging farmland and infrastructure, and stretching emergency resources as strong winds and extreme heat fuel flare-ups across both provinces.

In the Eastern Cape, the Kouga municipal area remains one of the hardest hit, with residents in Linderhof near Oyster Bay ordered to evacuate after wind-driven flare-ups brought fire fronts dangerously close to homes.

Fire services issued the evacuation as a precautionary measure after underground fires reignited, complicating containment efforts.

Kouga executive mayor Hattingh Bornman said while most fires in the municipality are currently under control, conditions remain unpredictable due to shifting winds.

“The biggest concern at the moment is near Oyster Bay, where many fires are underground. We have three aircraft working in the air, but they are struggling to gain full control. A small area called Linderhof has been evacuated purely