South Africa wildfires: Firefighters battle blazes spreading across Western Cape— what we know

Stanford and Pearly Beach in South Africa’s Western Cape are on high alert as firefighters battle multiple wildfires. On Saturday, authorities warned residents and tourists to prepare for evacuation as smoke and strong winds made firefighting difficult.The Stanford fire, in the Overstrand region, have threatened homes in Thembelihle township. Around 120 people were moved from the Die Kop informal settlement to safety. Thick smoke hovered over the area, and local officials advised people to leave before conditions worsened.Overstrand municipal manager Dean O’Neill urged residents to stay alert and prioritise safety. “Roads are being closed to prevent motorists from getting stuck.

Conditions can change fast. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he said, as quoted by South African media Times Live.Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for Cape Town’s fire and rescue service, said helicopters were helping to waterbomb the flames.

Firefighters were also monitoring other areas, including Mossel Bay, where a three-day-long vegetation fire had been contained, and the Cape Winelands districts of Franschhoek, Stormsvlei, and Worcester.

The South African Tourism Services Association (Satsa) said fires were common this time of year but warned that heightened vigilance was needed. Travel plans in some regions have also been disrupted, with temporary restrictions on outdoor activities and routes affecting tourists. Visitors were advised to follow official safety notices and avoid fire-prone areas.Local SPCA teams reported significant wildlife losses, with many animals found dead or reduced to skeletons after failing to escape the flames. Filming for Love Island: All Stars was also put on hold after wildfires forced the evacuation of the villa.