27 Jan Wildfires cause evacuations, as Africa maps out devastation

A wave of destructive wildfires has swept across South Africa’s Eastern and Western Cape provinces, forcing evacuations, closing major roads and leaving thousands of residents on edge along the country’s southern coast.

In the Eastern Cape, fires burning through the Kouga Municipality prompted urgent evacuations on Thursday in areas including Zwartenbosch, Oyster Bay Road, Kromme River and Riverside. Local authorities warned residents not to delay as flames spread rapidly through the region.

“Immediate evacuation is required due to raging and uncontrolled fires,” the municipality said in an emergency notice issued around midday.

Residents were told to follow instructions from emergency services and move to places of safety, with temporary accommodation arranged.

Kouga Municipality mayor Hattingh Bornman said the fires led to the closure of the N2 between Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay and caused widespread power outages across the municipality, which is home to more than 100,000 people. Firefighting teams, supported by aerial resources, were deployed to battle several intense blazes.

By Friday morning, officials confirmed the N2 had reopened, and all roads in the municipality were accessible. However, three major fires remained active, with reports of property damage and continued power disruptions in some areas. Water supplies were unaffected, and authorities said no further evacuations were required at that stage.

Earlier in the week, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality also dealt with a wildfire near Van Stadens along the N2. Although the fire was initially contained on Wednesday, strong winds caused it to flare up again on Thursday, forcing another temporary road closure.

Officials said by Friday morning, the situation was back under control.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape continued to face severe fire conditions.

In Mossel Bay, fires that broke out on Monday burned nearly 19 square kilometres of land. A “fire stop” was declared by Thursday morning, though authorities described the situation as critical, with teams monitoring hotspots to prevent flare-ups. Displaced residents began returning home, while relief efforts expanded to include psychosocial support and medical care for injured firefighters and a civilian.

Further west in the Overstrand Municipality, the Pearly Beach and Stanford fires remained active as of 22 January. The Pearly Beach fire, burning along the coastline towards Uilkraalsmond and Bluewater Bay, has scorched more than 33,000 hectares. The Stanford fire, inland near agricultural land along the R43, has affected just over 4,000 hectares.

Communities including Pearly Beach, Stanford, Gansbaai, Elim, Baardskeerdersbos, Uilkraalsmond, Panorama and Voëlklip have been impacted. Evacuations were carried out in Eluxolweni, where the community hall was opened as a shelter, while precautionary alerts were issued to nearby areas such as Groeneweide and Standskloof.

Fire crews have made some progress using backburning, aerial water drops and intensive mop-up operations along firebreaks.

However, dense fynbos vegetation, shifting winds and steep terrain continue to fuel flare-ups, requiring constant monitoring.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, follow official updates and take precautions against wildfire smoke.

Health officials recommend staying indoors where possible, sealing doors and windows, using air purifiers if available and wearing FFP2 masks when outside.

Emergency services across both provinces say efforts remain focused on containing the fires as quickly and safely as possible, while protecting lives, homes and critical infrastructure.