Media Release: Addo Elephant National Park Wildfire

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Addo Elephant National Park Wildfire

09 JULY 2024

Addo Elephant National Park Wildfire
On Monday, 8 July 2024, Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) in the Eastern Cape experienced a wildfire in the Zuurberg section of the Park. The source of the fire is unknown at this stage and teams from AENP and the Sarah Baartman West Fire Protection Association are on site to manage the situation.

The fire started on Sunday evening, 9 July when the Park experienced gale-force winds and has subsequently moved over to the Nyathi section of the Park. The wind changed direction today and the fire is currently burning slowly. There is some damage to the boundary fence but no animal losses or other infrastructure damage.

It is estimated that there are about 3,000 hectares that have been burnt but the teams on the ground will only be able to assess that once the weather and smoke allow. Less wind and possible rain are predicted from tomorrow which will assist with containing the fire. The fires are in remote areas of AENP so the public is not in danger. Updates will be provided regularly as the situation evolves.

SANParks extends its gratitude to the public for the cooperation and understanding that has been conveyed

Issued By
South African National Parks (SANParks)

JP Louw
SANParks Head of Communications

Mobile: +27 (0)66 056 0911
Email: [email protected]
Media Enquiries
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
General Manager: PR, Media and Stakeholder Relations

Mobile: +27 (0)73 373 4999
Email: [email protected]