Garden Route Wildfire: Kurland, Plettenberg Bay

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A wildfire raging near Kurland in Plettenberg Bay is currently uncontained and stretching over three blocks of plantation.

No structures are at risk at the moment, however, motorists traveling along the Nature's Valley Road are urged to proceed with caution, as wildfire activity remains present in the area.

Strong gusting winds, expected to end at around 13:00, from the north and northwest are fuelling the fire and making it difficult for crews to contain.

The head of the wildfire is currently heading south, driven by the northerly wind. Firefighters are doing their best to contain the wildfire and prevent further spread.

As wind intensity decreases, efforts will be made to access the fireline by foot and use hand-tools as suppression methods.

According to Deon Stoffels, GRDM Fire Chief, "the current objectives for the crews are to position resources between plantation block two and three to cut off the fire line and prevent it from crossing the 4x4 road running west to east. Firefighters are also trying to prevent further damage to the plantation on the south. Thankfully rain is predicted for Thursday at 10:00.

"Garden Route despatched two skid units (4x4 bakkie units) and one tanker, Bitou Fire with 2 skid units and 1 Tanker, as well as MTO with several tankers and crew are working together. Currently a reconnaissance is underway to determine the need for aerial resources. Additional ground crews will also be activated as well.