Firefighting teams are engaged in a grueling fourth-day effort to contain a major vegetation fire threatening this coastal community, with officials warning that the blaze is not yet under control and that residents must remain prepared for possible evacuations.
The fire, which began on Sunday, has already consumed approximately 1,600 hectares of land. A coordinated force of 200 firefighters and support personnel, including volunteers and teams from other areas, is currently battling the inferno. The situation was severely exacerbated on Tuesday by fierce gale-force winds, which drove flames toward the town.
According to a municipal manager for the area, the primary focus is on containing the fire around the town of Pearly Beach to isolate and protect it. “At present the fire is not under control yet,” he stated. Ground teams are tackling difficult, steep terrain on the mountain side, where inaccessible alien vegetation is fueling the flames. Aerial support from helicopters is expected to assist later, though officials noted the persistent challenge of getting ground crews to the highest fire lines.
While no injuries to firefighters or residents have been reported, the fire has caused some property damage. Two structures with thatched roofs were destroyed overnight, and some electrical poles and the area around a local wastewater treatment works were also burned. Power has since been restored.
The Overstrand Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Archie Klaas, confirmed this is the fourth significant fire in the region since October, an earlier start than the typical December fire season. He praised the coordinated response, highlighting the partnership between municipal teams, private landowners, the district municipality, and the community, which has donated food and water to the crews.
Both the mayor and the municipal manager pointed to underlying challenges intensifying the crisis. The prevalence of dry, invasive alien vegetation was cited as a major factor accelerating the fire’s spread. Furthermore, Mayor Klaas emphasized ongoing issues with ensuring property owners comply with directives to create and maintain fire breaks, which are essential for both creating defensible space and providing access for fire trucks.
“The fact that the premier was here in support… the partnership and the working together… is truly humbling,” said Mayor Klaas. He also expressed concern about firefighter fatigue after months of sustained firefighting efforts.
An investigation into the cause of the fire will be launched once it is contained. For now, authorities remain on high alert, dealing with ongoing flare-ups as a thick blanket of smoke continues to hang over Pearly Beach. Residents are advised to stay informed and ready to evacuate if conditions deteriorate.