Firefighters continue battling a large blaze in Mossel Bay, with evacuations and safety warnings in place as containment efforts intensify. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Mossel Bay — Emergency crews continued their fight on Wednesday to contain a large and fast‑moving blaze that has consumed hundreds of hectares of vegetation in and around Mossel Bay, prompting evacuations and safety warnings from local authorities.
The fire, which began late on Tuesday afternoon, quickly spread through dry veld and scrubland driven by strong winds and high temperatures, challenging firefighting teams deployed from multiple agencies.
According to Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue Services Station Commander, Andre van Rensburg, conditions have made containment difficult, with firefighters working in rugged terrain to prevent the blaze from reaching residential areas.
“Our crews are doing everything possible to contain the fire front, but unpredictable wind shifts and fuel loads continue to present major challenges,” van Rensburg said. “We are prioritising the protection of life and property, and residents’ safety remains our top focus.”
Provincial authorities confirmed that several informal settlements and outlying homes were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters and disaster management teams worked to establish fire breaks and protect vulnerable areas.
At the latest update, no fatalities had been reported, but a number of residents were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries, emergency officials said. Mossel Bay Municipal Disaster Management spokesperson Linda Petersen said the situation remains fluid and urged residents to adhere to evacuation orders.
“We understand the anxiety this fire is causing in the community. Residents in evacuation zones must follow the directives of emergency personnel and avoid returning to affected areas until they are declared safe,” Petersen said.
Fire crews from neighbouring municipalities, including George and Oudtshoorn, were also assisting in containment efforts, using water tankers, bulldozers and aerial support where possible to create containment lines.
The fire’s rapid spread has disrupted traffic on some major roads leading into Mossel Bay, with traffic authorities warning drivers to expect delays and reduced visibility due to smoke, especially during early morning and evening hours.
The South African Weather Service had issued a high fire danger warning for parts of the Western Cape earlier in the week, citing continued hot and dry conditions, which have increased the risk of bushfires throughout the region.
Provincial police are on the ground assisting with crowd control, road closures and ensuring that looted or unsafe properties are not re‑entered before they are secure.
Local non‑profit organisations and volunteers have also mobilised to support firefighters and displaced residents, providing refreshments, blankets and temporary shelter at relief centres.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire but said that an investigation will be launched once conditions are safe for specialists to enter the affected areas.
