Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay residents evacuated due to wildfires

South Africa’s Western Cape battles fierce wildfires, leading to emergency evacuations and a code red alert in coastal towns

Authorities have evacuated residents from coastal towns near Cape Town as wildfires continue to rage.

The fires, which started on Monday, led to a complete evacuation in Pringle Bay and a partial evacuation in Betty’s Bay. Both towns are about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Cape Town.

The mayor of the Overstrand municipality, Annelie Rabie, reports that up to six wildfires broke out in the area. While four of these fires are now contained or extinguished, others continue to pose a threat. The government has issued a code red, indicating serious danger to life and property. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, but some homes have been destroyed.

These wildfires are fueled by hot, dry conditions and strong coastal winds. Around 95% of a nearby nature reserve has been affected. Firefighters, aided by helicopters performing water drops, are working to control the flames. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is battling wildfires in four areas of the Western Cape, with one fire active for over nine days.

The main causes of these wildfires include discarded cigarettes, uncontrolled cooking fires, burning debris, and arson. Coastal winds add to the challenge by making the fires unpredictable and harder to control.

Residents from the affected areas have been moved to safety. This crisis follows a significant wildfire on Table Mountain in 2021, which caused extensive damage and required several days to extinguish.

Source: AP