Firefighters in the Overberg region of the Western Cape have been facing a challenging few days as they battle a major blaze that ignited on Thursday and a smaller fire that broke out on Saturday. The area, known for its scenic beauty, includes major towns such as Grabouw, Caledon, Hermanus, Bredasdorp, and Swellendam, all of which have been impacted by these fires. The Mierkraal fire, located just outside Bredasdorp, has been a particular concern since Thursday, with firefighting efforts being complicated by strong winds and the abundance of alien vegetation, which has acted as fuel for the flames.
The Overberg region has experienced a number of fires since mid-December, exacerbated by high winds that have carried embers and started new fires. On Saturday, firefighters were still struggling with the extreme heat of the fire lines, while also dealing with smaller spot fires that continued to flare up. Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association Manager, Louise Wessels, provided an update on the situation, acknowledging the difficulties of the previous day. However, she also expressed relief that the feared wind direction and intensity had not fully materialized, offering some hope to the teams working tirelessly to contain the fires.
While the winds remained a concern, the firefighters were able to make significant progress. Wessels noted that the night crews had been able to build on the containment efforts achieved during the day, bringing the fire much closer to being declared safe than the previous day. She also highlighted the ongoing support from the local council, which had been critical in managing the response, including providing necessary resources and budget allocations for firefighting operations. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the situation appeared to be improving, and Wessels remained hopeful that the fire would soon be under control.
In addition to the Mierkraal fire, another fire broke out on Saturday evening near Felix Unite/Swellendam. However, thanks to a quick response from aerial and ground firefighting teams, the blaze was contained before it could spread further. By Sunday morning, the fire had been fully extinguished, with the support of local farmers. Sadly, four homes were damaged, though no injuries were reported, which was a relief given the intensity of the fire. The swift response of the firefighting teams and the community’s support played a crucial role in preventing what could have been a much worse disaster.
Meanwhile, the Cape Agulhas Municipality, which is part of the affected region, has been grappling with power outages caused by the fires. The municipality reported that the fire had damaged a 66 kV overhead line, affecting electricity supply to areas including Struisbaai, L’Agulhas, and Suiderstrand. Repair work has been progressing slowly, as the team faces the challenge of removing the final burnt pole, which poses an elevated risk. Eskom has estimated that the repairs should be completed by 6pm, after which power will be restored. Residents have been urged to be patient as the repairs continue, with the municipality providing regular updates.
As the community continues to recover from these devastating fires, efforts to support affected residents are underway. Those looking to assist are encouraged to donate non-perishable goods, as well as small gift vouchers from stores like Checkers, KFC, and Spur, which will be distributed to those in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Bredasdorp Fire Station or at Pick n Pay in Struisbaai, which is also collecting food items. The generosity of residents and businesses alike has been a crucial source of relief during this difficult time, as the region continues to battle both the physical and emotional toll of these fires.
