The Herold Veldfire remains active. Favourable weather conditions are in place and a backburn will be implemented today from the railway line up the mountain. Resources have been allocated and ground teams are in place to monitor. Aerial support will be sent in as soon as the weather allows.
The public is urgently requested to refrain from recreational hiking today on any unofficial hiking trails through plantations. All official hiking trails remain closed by CapeNature until further notice.
No current threat to people and infrastructure.
Update at 11h00
Due to prevailing wind George is currently enveloped by smoke and ash from fire on the mountain. Ground crews are actively working on suppressing fire lines. Motorists are requested to proceed with cautions. Members of public with any form of breathing problem to please stay indoors. Issued George Municipality
A huge thank you from all of the partners involved to those organisations and member of the public who have so kindly delivered food and beverages for distribution.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO TAKE NOTE OF:
1. Please note that the use of drones on nature reserves is illegal and they will be confiscated. Drones pose a serious risk to air support
2. Montagu Pass remains closed to vehicles.
3. Outeniqua Pass open to motorists.
4. CapeNature has closed all official hiking trails. Please refrain from hiking or cycling in and around George Mountains over the next few days.
Partners:
CapeNature
George Municipality
Garden Route District Municipality
Working on Fire
Cape Pine
South Cape Fire Protection Agency
Transnet
MTO Forestry
Farmers and Landowners
Issued George Municipality