News

Fire is up on the mountains far away from human lives and property but due to the heavy smoke, helicopters are not able to fly and no water bombing can be done at this stage.

“Backburns and fire breaks will be done during the course of the day. Residents will experience heavy smoke and ashes but there is no immediate danger at this stage” according to the Knysna Municipality.

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a warning of veld fire conditions and extreme heat from the 28-29th October 2018 over the West Coast, Cape WInelands, Central and Little Karoo as well as the Garden Route District. Damaging winds (65-75km/h are expected as from today (29th October 2018- 30th October 2018).

Teams from SANParks, Knysna Municipality, Working on Fire are monitoring an active fire near Karatara up on the mountains with available resources

The fire in Tsitsikamma is also contained with Day 2 of the Otter trail reopened. Last week Day 2 of the 5-day hiking trail was closed due to fire. 8 hikers were safely evacuated and slept in the Storms River Rest Camp. They continued Day 3- 5 of the Otter trail hike. Park management reopened Day 2 of the trail on Sunday.

Mountain to Ocean (MTO) is leading the Lottering fire JOC and mop up has begun with SANParks, Cacadu District Municipal resources, MTO and other partners.

Otter Trail from Ngubu to Scott hut

Fire away from property in Karatara

Media can contact Nandi Mgwadlamba, 078 702 9663, [email protected]