KNYSNA NEWS - A fire in mid-June that affected about 1 500 hectares of the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, north of the Bloukrans Bridge, has reignited.

Fire-fighters cannot directly gain access to the site of the fire due to the challenging terrain there, and counter-burns and aerial water-bombing are being undertaken to contain it.

Several counter-burns have kept the fire from commercial plantations and critical infrastructure.

The firefighting team started another counter-burn on Monday 2 September, and one was planned for this morning, Tuesday 3 September, weather permitting.

The fire is being managed under a Joint Operational Command (JOC) between SANParks, the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA) and the Mountain to Ocean Group, ensuring a coordinated response to the situation.

Aerial resources are being kept on-site for quick reaction to flare-ups, minimising ferry costs and ensuring a rapid response.

SANParks confirms that the fire is being managed as a controlled burn, and not a runaway wildfire.

Measures are in place to prevent the fire from spreading uncontrollably and potentially causing damage to property or affecting lives.

SANParks urges members of the public to stay away from the affected areas, to allow emergency services to carry out their work without hindrance.

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