South Africa: Emergency crews continue to respond to wildfires across parts of Western Cape as of Jan. 30 /update 1

Emergency crews are responding to several wildfires burning across parts of Western Cape Province as of Jan. 30. The fires have broken out amid hot, dry, and windy conditions in recent days and difficult terrain has also hampered firefighting efforts. Some rain and cooler temperatures brought more benign conditions to parts of the region overnight Jan. 29-30; however, high temperatures are forecast again Jan. 30 and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued the highest level 10 warning for veld fire conditions across central, eastern, and northern parts of the province Jan. 31. Further growth of existing fires and new fire outbreaks are possible over the coming days.

One of the fires of greatest concern has been burning since Jan. 22 in the Kluitjieskraal area near Wolseley in the Cape Winelands District Municipality. The fire is split into two firelines on either side of the Obiqua Mountain and has burned over 22,600 hectares (55,846 acres). More than 40 structures have been destroyed and nearby residents have been evacuated. Another fire is burning in the Fairy Glen area outside Worcester and has grown to more than 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres). Although the fire is not yet threatening residents in Worcester, it remains uncontained due to hotspots in inaccessible elevated areas.

At least six fires broke out amid hot and windy conditions in the Overstrand local municipality of Overberg District Municipality Jan. 29. As of Jan. 30, two of the six fires remain uncontained; the fire of greatest concern is located in the Hangklip area between Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay. The fire destroyed around four properties in the Sea Farm private nature reserve Jan. 29; authorities declared a code red status due to the fire threatening homes and advised residents of Silversands, Seafarms, and Blesberg to evacuate. An evacuation shelter has been established at Kleinmond Town Hall. The fire is expected to spread along Brodie Link into Pringle Bay Jan. 30 and municipal authorities have advised residents of Pringle Bay to prepare to evacuate at short notice.

Cape Town firefighters extinguished several fires on the outskirts of the city Jan. 29, including in Vrygrond, Masiphumelele, Broadlands, and Overcome Heights. The fires in Overcome Heights and Masiphumelele reportedly damaged dozens of informal dwellings, displacing around 250 people.

Officials could close roads at short notice to facilitate firefighting operations, and further evacuation orders are possible. Ground travel disruptions are likely, as are disruptions on available parallel routes. Authorities could expand mandatory evacuation orders depending on evolving wildfire conditions. Smoke from the fires could cause poor air quality across the region. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Localized power outages are possible.