Update: Herold veldfire

GEORGE NEWS - This is an update and cautionary notice for members of the public with regards to the ongoing fires in George, on behalf of the Western Cape Fire Services.

The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has been activated on a small scale due to the ongoing fires in George in the Outeniqua Pass area.

The Herold fire remains active and conditions are difficult, with aerial support utilised on a limited scale at this time, due to smoke, mist and the mountainous terrain. Ground crews are actively working on suppressing fire lines.

A backburn will be implemented today from the railway line up the mountain towards the fireline. Resources have been allocated and ground teams are in place to monitor. Mossel Bay's Fire and Disaster Management firefighters are in George to render assistance and safeguard houses in the Denneoord-area.

Due to prevailing wind, parts of George is currently enveloped by smoke and ash from fire on the mountain. Citizens are advised to keep windows closed and to ensure where possible that gutters and areas around homesteads are clean and free of any dry leaves and material which can start burning should hot embers fall into it. Keep pets indoors and out of the smoke.

There's no current threat to people and infrastructure. Follow instructions from emergency services and monitor local media for OFFICIAL updates.

The Outeniqua pass has been closed to motorists. Please use Robinson pass as an alternative. Motorists are requested to proceed with caution.

The public is urgently requested to refrain from recreational hiking today and over the next few days. All official hiking trails remain closed by CapeNature until further notice.

Thank you for all the donations so far. The firefighters are in need of the following:

Smaller bottles of water (not 5L).
Juices / Energades
Lip Ice Vaseline
Wet Wipes
Rehydrate
Chocolates / Energy bars

Please drop at the George Fire Brigade in Mitchell street behind Outeniqua Primary sport fields.

Apart from the donations of water, etc one of the biggest things the public can do is to stay away from the affected areas to ensure that emergency crews have clear and easy access.

Please phone 112 (all emergencies number) in the event of an emergency.

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