Large areas of bush opposite the industrial area engulfed in flames. Photo: Peter Wallington
Large areas of bush on the immediate outskirts of Plett are currently on fire and local authorities are urging extreme caution to motorists on the N2 past Old Nick and the Keurbooms caravan park towards Pennypinchers/Buco.
Fanned by a strong south westerly wind, the fire which started around midday near the gravel road between the N2 and Wittedrift, quickly spread to neighbouring farms, and by nightfall had reached the hills around Old Nick.
A number of homes on small holdings have been razed by the wildfire and the threat to other farms, homes and buildings in the path of the blaze is very real.
A fire vehicle being replenished at Bitou Fire Department. Photo: B Morris
According to Bitou Municpality spokesperson Dumisani Mnweba and Senior Manager of Public Safety Andile Sakati, assistance was requested from the fire departments and rescue services of the neighbouring towns of Knysna and George to help in the fire control and rescue operations that are currently underway.
“Plett, Knysna and George fire department crews are currently on the ground and have managed to contain the fire. Officials from the CPA and the South Cape FPA (Fire Protection Association) are also at the scene assisting in the operation,” said Mr Mnweba. “We currently have a sufficient number of firefighters and will only call in reserve volunteers if the situation becomes much worse.”
A map showing the path (green marker) that the fire followed. Photo: B Morris
Mr Mnweba stated that the fire was being controlled and that there was currently no threat to the townships of Qolweni and Bossiesgif which border the industrial area outside Plett. He also stressed that while caution on the national road was being urged, there was no threat to the town of Plettenberg Bay itself, and tourists should not be concerned about the situation or feel that they need to alter any travel plans.
Plett Tourism’s chairman Peter Wallington has advised motorists to use alternate routes if at all possible and requests visitors and residents not to come to the scene to observe as this will hinder fire fighting and rescue/evacuation operations if required.
For emergency assistance please call the Fire Department on 044 533 5000 or call the police on 044 501 1900.
