Fire activity was limited overnight at both fire sites. All roads affected by the Pearly Beach and Stanford fires are open, and containment efforts continue.
The Pearly Beach fire is now in its tenth day and has burned approximately 30 000 hectares. The Stanford fire is in its seventh day, with approximately 10 000 hectares burned.
Swartland Municipality Fire Services continue to assist with mop-up operations, while other neighbouring municipalities have returned to their home areas to attend to fires within their own areas.
Stanford Fire:
It is important to note that the area currently affected by the fire last burned through the Koudevlakte area in 2006. As a result, the veld in this area is very old and dry, which significantly increases fire intensity and makes firefighting operations more challenging.
Accessibility to the unburned area remains a major challenge. Fire crews currently only have access to the perimeter, where landowners have assisted by creating access routes along the fire perimeter.
Maximum resources will again be deployed for this operational period.
Pearly Beach Fire:
The fire line above Byeneskrans has started to burn active again and is burning higher up on the mountain.
Fire crews will continue to follow the current operational plan.
A change in wind direction is expected, which will place significant pressure on the existing long and hot fire containment lines. Flare-ups remain a strong possibility.
Overstrand Municipality acts against deliberate fire-setting
Overstrand Municipality has been battling an unprecedented number of fires since November last year, during which many thousands of hectares have burned. These fires have resulted in severe losses to farmers, businesses, and various organisations, placing many livelihoods under serious threat.
The Municipality is increasingly concerned that a number of these fires may not have occurred naturally and are suspected to have been started deliberately. In response, Overstrand Municipality has offered a reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible.
On Monday evening, 12 January 2026, at approximately 19:30, a member of the public noticed smoke near the Stanford graveyard and went to investigate.
He saw a female suspect jumping over a fence and immediately called law enforcement while trying to put out the fire until the Fire Department arrived.
Law Enforcement officers responded to the scene, where burning cables were found. Based on information from the witness, a suspect was located and arrested.
The 23-year-old female was handed over to Stanford SAPS and charged under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998).
The cables were booked as evidence under CAS number 37/01/2026.
The suspect later pointed out two male suspects, aged 15 and 20. Both were arrested and taken to Stanford SAPS.
The case has been handed over to the Detective Branch (CID) for further investigation.
Overstrand Municipality appeals to the public to report any suspicious activity related to fires. Community vigilance plays a crucial role in protecting lives, property, and the environment.
