Fire Chaos In Eastern Cape: Residents Flee as Raging Blazes Tear Through Kouga

Residents in several areas of the Kouga Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape have been evacuated as firefighters battle raging and uncontrollable fires threatening homes and critical routes.

Authorities have urged communities to leave immediately as the fast-moving blazes continue to spread.

Residents Evacuated as Fires Spread Rapidly

Communities affected include Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road, Kromme River and the Riverside area.

The Kouga Local Municipality confirmed that the fire has jumped the R330 towards Hankey and is now advancing in the direction of the Kabeljous River, behind the Nature’s Valley Private Game Reserve.

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Emergency services remain on high alert as shifting winds and dry conditions fuel the spread of the flames.

N2 Closed as Fire Threatens Major Routes

Kouga Mayor Hattingh Bornman confirmed that the N2 between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay has been closed to traffic due to the danger posed by the fires.

He said firefighters are dealing with two major fire fronts in the area.

“Currently we have two situations on the R330 between Humansdorp and Hankey, as well as Kromme River between St Francis and Humansdorp. There are two fires; the one at Kromme River is out of control,” Bornman said.

Urgent Call for Evacuation to Prevent Loss of Life

Bornman urged residents living close to the affected areas to evacuate immediately.

“We are asking that residents who live close by evacuate with immediate effect, so we don’t suffer any loss of life,” he said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have appealed to the public to avoid affected routes and comply with evacuation instructions as firefighting efforts continue.

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