Wildfire in South Africa

Pearly Beach, a town in the Western Cape, South Africa, has experienced one of the most intense blazes in the region this month, forcing evacuations, burning thousands of hectares, and stretching firefighting resources across the Overstrand. The blaze forms part of a wider regional crisis, with simultaneous fires reported in Stanford, Greyton, Mossel Bay, and Tsitsikamma.

Road closures were reinstated in the Overstrand Municipality earlier this morning as fires continue to rage in the area. Flames jumped the R43 highway during strong winds earlier in the week, and the fire burned for more than eight days before containment was achieved. Aerial support has been deployed, including Working on Fire Huey helicopters and SAAF Oryx aircraft.

The Eluxolweni community was evacuated and is now out of immediate danger. Community halls were opened for displaced residents during peak fire activity. No fatalities have been reported so far, although a young girl was hospitalised in Mossel Bay and several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.

The blaze is now largely contained thanks to cooler weather and light overnight rainfall. Mop‑up operations are ongoing, with crews patrolling the perimeter for flare‑ups. No active fire lines are currently threatening homes after a major breakthrough by firefighters.