30 Oct 2018 | 04:53 PM UTC
South Africa: Wildfire ongoing in Western Cape October 30
So-called “George Fire” continues to spread along the Garden Route (Western Cape province) as of October 30; containment efforts ongoing
Event
Firefighters continue to battle the so-called “George Fire” in Western Cape province along the Garden Route as of Tuesday, October 30. The wildfire has burned over 16,600 hectares (4102 acres) since it started on October 21 in the Vermaaklikheid area. Officials confirmed that at least eight people have died as of Tuesday. Authorities have evacuated over 1000 people from the Karatara area and firefighters are focusing containment efforts on the Eseljacht, Ganzekraal, and Louvain areas. The N2 highway was also closed on Tuesday between Plettenberg Bay to Storms River Bridge, as well as access to the nearby mountains. Further evacuations and road closures are possible in the coming days as firefighters work to contain the fire.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.
