Mossel Bay residents stand together for fire-affected families

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Following the destructive vegetation fire that quickly spread throughout Island View, Aalwyndal and Vakansieplaas this week, Mossel Bay’s community members and businesses swiftly came together to support the affected families with donations of various essential items and temporary accommodation.

These items included blankets, clothing, towels, bottled water, non-perishable foods, dog and cat food, toiletries and baby essentials such as nappies.

Food, water, energy drinks and eye drops were also donated to the firefighting crews and other emergency services tackling the blaze.

Some of the items were dropped off at the Mossel Bay Fire Station on the corner of Schoeman Street and Louis Fourie Road, as well as at the Hartenbos Seefront, the Bean Blessed coffee shop in Marsh Street, the Pick n Pay Langeberg Mall, the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch and the Hartenbos Animal Hospital.

Some of the items donated by the community and dropped off at the Mossel Bay Fire Station. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz

The Garden Route District and Mossel Bay municipalities have stated that no items may be dropped off directly at the scene of the fires.

On Tuesday 6 January, residents began evacuating their homes, leaving most of their possessions behind, which ultimately perished in the fire.

Temporary accommodation was made available at the ATKV Resort in Hartenbos. Many guest houses and Mossel Bay residents also opened their doors to those grappling with the after-effects of the fire.

“Most evacuees are safely staying with friends or family, and additional requests are being co-ordinated through the joint operations centre. Your generosity reflects the strength and unity of Mossel Bay,” said the Mossel Bay Municipality on a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Trolleys packed with essential items donated by the public for residents affected by the fire. Photo: Hartenbos Seefront

The municipality has confirmed on its official channels that a dedicated bank account is in the process of being opened for donations, and that a structured channel will be announced shortly to ensure every contribution is directed where it is most needed and effective.

The bank details will be shared with the public as soon as they become available.

The fire began on some farming land next to the N2 near KwaNonqaba on Monday 5 January, and quickly spread to Island View, Aalwyndal and Vakansieplaas.

By this morning, 8 January, the fire is under control but not yet fully contained. Firefighting operations are still ongoing.

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