News

Smoke seen on the N2 between Tsitsikamma and Port Elizabeth is coming from a nearby plantation on MTO’s (Mountain to Ocean) property. SANParks rangers are among teams on the fire flank assisting MTO to contain the fire. The smoke however this morning was blowing in the direction of Day 2 of the Otter trail hike but news from our team is that there is definitely ground fire between Ngubu and Scott Hut (Day 2) of the Otter hiking trail.

Resources are split between helping our neighbours (MTO) to contain the fire in the plantation and on evacuating hikers through escape routes on the Otter trail.

The smoke from the plantation is confirmed to stretch as far out as Clarkson. The Storms River Rest Camp remains unaffected and is accessible and open to visitors.

‘Eight (8) hikers over the age of 18 years are being evacuated by a Head Ranger (Eugenia Mkhatshwa) and team from the Otter trail. It is still too early to determine the extent of the damage but once the fires are completely extinguished, we will be in a position to evaluate the extent of the damage and how soon the trail can be open’ according to Area Manager for Tsitsikamma, Bulelwa Msengi.

Boilerplate: SANParks has conveyed condolences to the family of pilot, Nico Heyns who died in the line of duty. ‘He is a hero who lost his life in the line of duty. He leaves a void in the fire-fighting fraternity. May his soul rest in peace and our thoughts are with his family’ says Paddy Gordon, Park Manager of the Garden Route National Park.

Media: Nandi Mgwadlamba, 078 702 9663, [email protected]

Popular suspension bridge accessible from the Storms River Rest Camp