Garden Route fire update: Eight confirmed deaths, George blaze subsides

The Garden Route fire, which has already claimed the lives of eight people, continues to burn near Karatara but has been brought under control in the vicinity of George.

This is the latest situation report published by the Garden Route District Municipality. The statement also noted that gale force winds, reaching speeds of between 50 to 65 kilometres per hour, are forecast for the interior, warning residents to be extra vigilant and follow evacuation procedures if necessary.

Garden Route fire kills eight people

While the blaze which originated on the slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains near George didn’t cost any human life in the direct vicinity, its swift 50 kilometre sweep eastwards brought tragedy to the small woodland settlements surrounding Karatara.

The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Communication Officer in the region, Malcolm Poje, confirmed that eight people were killed as a result of the Garden Route fire. The devastating news was relayed via an official statement by the Garden Route District Municipality.

It’s been confirmed that two adults and six children died as a result of the fire. The fatalities occurred in the settlements of Bosdorp and Farleigh. Poje confirmed that one of the deceased adults was a pregnant woman.

Garden Route fire update: George and Karatara

Poje confirmed that the blaze in George had been brought under control thanks to the tireless efforts of firefighting crews and a spattering of rain in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Outeniqua Pass has been reopened to the public, while the Montagu Pass remains closed until further notice.

However, the situation in Karatara remains tense. While flare-ups have been reported in the Rheenendal and Karatara area, the wind has shifted to a favourable position, fanning the flames back onto burnt ground, thereby assisting firefighting efforts.

The Garden Route fire Incident Command team has reported that while the situation remains dangerous, evacuation efforts in some areas have been halted, saying:

“We are backing off on the evacuation of Keurhoek. Wind has shifted much in our favour. Still not pleasant out here but no risk to Keurhoek if wind holds.

Incident commander of the Karatara fire is about to do an aerial recce.”

According to the George Municipality, fires and flareups are still being reported in Karatara, Garcia Pass, Opsoek near Zoar, Jonkersberg, Grootvadersbosch and Ganzekraal.