Residents of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape are still in the path of a raging fire which is being fanned by gusting berg winds along the Amathole mountain range.
Advancing veld fires have been raging in various parts of the Amathole District Municipality for the past four days.
In a statement, the Municipality said advancing veld fires in Mbhashe, Ngqushwa, Amahlathi and Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality has resulted in communities being displaced, while others are being prepared to leave their homes at a moment’s notice.
“The Hogsback Community under Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality has been placed on evacuation alert due to advancing wildfires in the area.
“An alert means that people do not need to leave their homes, but should be prepared to do so at a moment’s notice because the potential danger to lives and health.”
According to the ADM, the first alert was received via the Greater Stutterheim Fire Protection Association at 09:00 on Saturday, warning of the Elandsberg Mountain fire, which if not successfully contained, would propel for evacuation.
They said also of consideration was a three-day FDI forecast noting that should the fire burn across the Cathcart Road to Forestry, the only option available to save lives would be full evacuation of the Hogsback Community.
Continuous monitoring of the R67 is taking place, especially around the Nico Malan Pass to alert motorists of any danger as a result of smoke over the road.
Municipal spokesperson, Sisa Msiwa said the ADM may consider a possible declaration of a state of Disaster due to four local municipalities experiencing veld fires at the same time.
According to Msiwa, loss of property in terms of livestock has not been costed, and assessments continue.
Communities are urged to remain calm as firefighters and other role-players are on the ground to restore calm.
