Three firefighters injured as Mossel Bay wildfire destroys homes and forces residents to flee

Mossel Bay residents were forced to flee their homes as a huge vegetation fire raged across the town, with the municipality saying several structures and vehicles were destroyed, and at least three firefighters injured.

The fire, which broke out in a nearby farming area on Monday, spread quickly across the holiday town’s Aalwyndal, Island View, and Vakansieplaas.

So far, the fire has swept across more than 12 square kilometres.

Firefighters from Mossel Bay, supported by teams from the Garden Route District, Hessequa, and George municipalities, as well as volunteer groups, worked through the night to bring the blaze under control.

However, on Wednesday morning, the municipality said the fire was still burning on the western flank in a farming area near Aalwyndal, a hard-to-reach kloof presenting accessibility challenges.

It has, however, been brought under control on the northern flank near Aalwyndal, the eastern flank near Island View, and the southern flank along the N2.

"The fire is still active on the western flank — the farming area adjacent to Aalwyndal, presenting a hard-to-reach kloof area posing accessibility challenges," the municipality said.

"Prevailing weather conditions, especially wind, will be closely monitored for the next operational period from 8 am to 6 pm."

The N2, which was closed overnight between the Langeberg off-ramp in Voorbaai and Dana Bay, has since been reopened.

Residents who were evacuated overnight were allowed to return to their homes.

The municipality said while a full assessment of the damage was still under way, multiple structures, vehicles and other property have been affected.

It said at least three firefighters were injured, including one admitted to hospital for smoke inhalation.

"Numbers cannot be confirmed until a full assessment of the damage has been done, but it has been confirmed that multiple structures, several vehicles, other infrastructure and property has sustained various levels of damage during the incident," it said.

"No human loss of life has been reported ... three firefighters sustained injuries and one was admitted to hospital for smoke inhalation."

It also said that residents who were forced to evacuate on Tuesday night have now been allowed to return to their residential areas.

"Access control was implemented, and we are monitoring public movement for safety reasons," the municipality said.

"Road closure and access restriction was implemented and will be re-instated where necessary in active firefighting operations."

The municipality also said the compassion and generosity shown by its community has been "absolutely overwhelming and sheer inspiration".

"Accommodation offers, ensuring evacuees are connected with safe options, and humanitarian support to firefighting crews and emergency workers has been received with deep gratitude," it said.

So overwhelming was the support, the municipality said, that at this stage, they asked the public to pause further drop‑offs at the fire station in Schoeman Street.

"That is until clear needs have been established.

"The municipality will announce a structured channel for donations shortly, so that every contribution can be directed where it is most needed and effective.

"Your willingness to step forward in times of crisis reflects the strength and unity of Mossel Bay, and we encourage everyone to remain calm and continue supporting one another."

Cape Times