News24 | Mossel Bay residents evacuated after fire destroys structures, vehicles

A fire was out of control in Mossel Bay, with strong winds fanning the flames.

Residents of Island View, Vakansieplaas and Aalwyndal in Mossel Bay were evacuated on Tuesday evening after a fire destroyed several structures and vehicles.

The Garden Route District Municipality said the blaze was currently out of control and strong winds were overwhelming firefighting efforts, significantly hampering containment operations.

The municipality had requested additional support from the Hessequa and George local municipalities.

“Fire crews remain actively engaged in suppression and structure protection efforts. The public is urged to remain calm and strictly follow instructions from emergency personnel,” it said in a notice on its social media pages.

Mossel Bay Local Municipality, located within the district municipality, said it had yet to confirm the number of structures and vehicles damaged as a result of the fire.

READ | ‘Not even a sock was spared’ - Khayelitsha residents return to homes burnt to ashes

It thanked residents for “countless” offers of accommodation for those evacuated.

“At this stage, most evacuees are staying safely with friends or family. As new requests come in, we will continue to share details and connect those in need with available accommodation,” it said.

By 21:00, traffic officials were directing traffic caused by the fire in several areas, with the N2 still closed between the Langeberg Mall offramp and Dana Bay due to heavy smoke hampering visibility. Traffic was being redirected on Louis Fourie Road.

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