Garden Route fires update

Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Garden Route District Municipality have given the latest information regarding the fires in the Garden Route areas:

Vermaaklikheid, Hessequa

Current situation:
Mopping-up operations are currently underway. Minor flare-ups throughout the day occurred - this was expected due to hot weather conditions.

At 17:00 a Recce flight took place and it was confirmed that all fire-lines looked safe and contained.

A 24-hour monitoring period started at 18:00 today. This involves the patrolling of the previously active fire-lines.

\At 14:00 today, bombers completed aerial attacks in the Hessequa area. They then moved over to the George municipal area. A WoF chopper also moved to the George area at around 17:00. The private helicopter of Cobus Crouse completed its duties at 18:00.

Resources:
Hessequa team
15 WoF team members

A final briefing session by the Incident Commander will take place at 08:00 tomorrow morning. If all goes according to plan, the FCP at Vermaaklikheid will be dissolved after the morning briefing.

The GRDM team plans to move to the George area tomorrow.

We would once again like to thank all role players for their support. We would not have been able to contain this wildfire without all your support - be it donations, volunteering, reports and calls to assist us with responses.

Many of the firefighters work more than 12 hours a day to contain fires - we must not forget the willpower, perseverance and selfless efforts of fire fighters who serve to protect our communities and the environment.

George
The veldfire remains within the mountains and poses no immediate threat to town of George. The fire is being closely monitored by all roleplayers.

The Outeniqua Pass between Oudtshoorn and George was closed, due to Herold Fire, Motorists were advised to use an alternative route, via Mossel Bay (R328).