MOSSEL BAY FIRE: Crews remain fully deployed

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Firefighting crews remain fully deployed and continue to battle flare-ups and hotspots in Mossel Bay this evening, 8 January.

The Mossel Bay Municipality said there are over 70 firefighters on the ground, in Aalwyndal, Island View, Vakansieplaas, Num Num Eco Estate, Sonskynvallei, Hartenbos Heuwels and Renosterbos.

It said the main focus of firefighting efforts is tending to any areas showing smouldering embers and hotspots, which is being successfully implemented. There are more than 70 firefighters on the ground.

The municipality said the wind picked up in the area at about 14:00, causing the spread of the fire and several flare-ups. However, crews, including aerial support, effectively secured these areas throughout the afternoon.

At 18:45, an update from the municipality stated that the wet line created with aerial firefighting and the efforts of firefighting crews managed to stop the fire's approach in Hartenbos Heuwels.

Additional resources have been dispatched including multiple water sources, such as refilling with grey water from the regional wastewater works, additional water tankers, and farmers' associations from all over the greater Mossel Bay with water resources.

"Additional firefighting resources have also been secured from Oudsthoorn, George and Hessequa Municipality," it said.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’