Overstrand firefighters and Fire Management Units (FMU) were under immense pressure yesterday afternoon from 15:00 when fires at Stanford and Pearly Beach broke containment in very strong westerly winds.

Two Huey helicopters, as well as the Oryx, were deployed to work alongside ground crews at Witvoetskloof and Byeneskrans.

Fire crews worked hard on a new island flare-up on the Witvoetskloof line at Helderfontein, which ran towards Avuka Road. In addition, the Stanford fire generated significant smoke that spread over a large area, from Voëlklip to the town of Elim.

 

The Byeneskrans line moved towards Baardskeerdersbos/Lomond, and fire crews worked hard to push the fire back towards the already burned area. Structure protection remained a high priority, and the firefighters and FMUs deserve a pat on the shoulder for keeping the fire away from two thatched roofs.

 

Welcome rain started at approximately 20:30 and continued through the night, while cooler conditions slowed things down and prevented the fire from spreading.

This morning, there are still a couple of active lines, and fire crews and FMUs will continue mopping up and monitoring today.

We are on day 9 of the Stanford fire and day 12 of the Pearly Beach fire. Huge respect and gratitude go to every firefighter and support crew involved. They are working under incredibly tough conditions and giving everything they have.

A big thank you to our communities for all your donations, and hard work preparing and pack meals for the crews out there. The communiry spirit is amazing.