Cape St Francis Fire (updated at 15:20)

Photography : Christopher Scott

Photography : Christopher Scott

Received from KM Media Liaison

Monday 25 January 2016 @15:20

Kouga’s Fire Chief has done a final fly-over of the fire scene.

The fire is under control. Firefighters are still dampening a few hotspots and keeping an eye on the wind, which could cause the fire to flare up again.

No houses were burnt down; only a grass boma in the Mosterthoek area.

We are not aware of injuries although four firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation last night.

While early reports from the Fire Department were that the fire had been caused by a flare, the police is investigating the matter and will make the final call as to the cause.

Kouga’s Fire Department would like to thank everyone for the incredible support they received.

Monday 25 January at  1010 : 
Communication with fire-fighting staff on the ground at the fire threatening Cape St Francis has been very difficult.

People have been asking how they can help. Our biggest need is for bottled water for the firefighters. Anyone who can/want to assist, can phone the control room at 042 291 0250 or 042 200 8330.

The latest report we received from there this morning (8am) was that:

·         Fire-fighters remain on red alert and are fighting fires among the houses at Cape St Francis.

·         Several houses, as well as the Cape St Francis Resort, were under threat during the night, but no houses have burnt down.

·         The Kouga Fire Department has been joined by fire teams from Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Nelson Mandela Metro and Working for Fire. A team from Plettenberg Bay is on the way.

·         Two choppers are in the air.

·         We cannot say at this stage that the fire in the veld is under control because the wind plays a big role. However, it is looking better than it did last night.

·         There has been no official evacuation, but residents have been preparing to do so while others have already sought refuge elsewhere just in case.

·         We suspect the fire was started by a flare. A case of arson has been opened with SAPS.

·         Electricity to Cape St Francis has been restored but we cannot guarantee that it will remain on, depending on what the fire does.

Will email as we get in new info from the firefighting staff at the scene.