South Africa: Wildfire ongoing in Western Cape province January 8

Event

A wildfire in the Overstrand municipality (Western Cape province) continues as of Tuesday, January 8, as authorities confirm at least one person has died from the blaze. The fire, which started in Betty's Bay, spread to Koggelbaai on Sunday, January 6, prompting evacuation orders. Firefighters have contained the fire at roughly 60 percent although many roads, including the R44 highway between Gordon's Bay and Rooi-Els, have experienced temporarily closures. Officials with the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association report the fire has burned roughly 7000 hectares (17,300 acres). 

Advice

Individuals in the Western Cape province, particularly in the abovementioned areas, are advised to adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. fire bans, evacuation notices), keep abreast of the situation and of local weather reports, and establish safety plans in case of an evacuation notice.