Uncontrolled veld fires sweeping through the Kouga Local Municipality, including Humansdorp, St Francis Bay, and the broader Sarah Baartman District, have caused widespread power outages and forced urgent evacuations as firefighters battle blistering blazes fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.
Eskom confirmed that the fires have damaged critical electrical infrastructure, leading to a major blackout affecting multiple areas. In a statement, the power utility said it is closely monitoring the situation but will only dispatch repair teams once emergency services declare the sites safe.
“Eskom is monitoring the situation and will wait for the areas to be declared safe for access before going in to assess the extent of the damage and effecting repairs,” the statement read.
In St Francis Bay, a popular holiday town, some infrastructure has already succumbed to the flames. Liezl Clause, manager of the St Francis Disaster Volunteer Group, reported damage amid a fire that continues to spread through the area.
Kouga Municipality issued an urgent evacuation warning for residents in the Zwartenbosch area along the R330 road towards Hankey, as well as farming communities on Oyster Bay Road, Kromme River, and Riverside. Multiple fire fronts are active across the municipality, with officials urging calm and compliance with evacuation orders only when directed by authorities.
Mayor Hattingh Bornman described the rapidly evolving crisis: “With the increasing wind and change of direction, the fire has flared up again.” Road closures, including sections of the N2 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp due to thick smoke, have compounded disruptions.
Ground crews, supported by volunteers and awaiting aerial reinforcements, are working tirelessly. Residents in affected zones are advised to stay vigilant and monitor official municipal and Eskom channels for updates on power restoration and safety declarations.
The fires are part of a broader wave of blazes across the Eastern Cape, exacerbated by prolonged dry weather. No injuries have been reported so far, but the situation remains volatile.