A fire at Garden Route National Park burned around 1 500 hectares after it was ignited in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, located north of the Bloukrans Bridge. (SANParks)
- A lightning strike caused a fire in the Garden Route National Park on Monday.
- The fire destroyed around 1 500 hectares of the park.
- The fire is inaccessible by foot so counter-burns and aerial waterbombing are being used to extinguish it.
About 1 500 hectares of the Garden Route National Park have been destroyed in a wildfire that a lightning strike caused in the Tsitsikamma section of the park on Monday.
The blaze is inaccessible by foot due to the challenging terrain, but counter-burns and aerial waterbombing are being used to prevent it from spreading further, according to SANParks.
Several of the counter-burns have steered the fire away from commercial plantations and critical infrastructure so far.
News24 understands that another counter-burn is planned for Tuesday morning, weather permitting.
“During the late evening [on Monday], northerly winds began to push down the mountain, quickly turning the wildfire into a significant threat. GRDM (Garden Route District Municipality) Fire and Rescue Services, CapeNature, and Kannaland Protection Services were immediately dispatched to Bergplaas Farm. Although the wildfire threatened the farm, no major infrastructure was affected,” GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said.
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Since the weather prediction for Tuesday is unfavourable, additional crews are expected to head to the area.
Smoke is seen from a fire in the Garden Route National Park that burned around 1 500 hectares. (SANParks)
The fire was ignited in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, located north of the Bloukrans Bridge. (SANPArks)
A helicopter is also expected to be on standby.
“Aerial resources have been deployed and are kept on site for quick reaction to flare-ups, minimising ferry costs and ensuring a rapid response,” SANParks said.
“Measures are in place to prevent the fire from spreading uncontrollably and potentially cause damage to property or affect lives. SANParks also urge members of the public to stay clear from the affected areas to allow emergency services to carry out their work without hindrance,” it added.