Update: The wildfires that devastated South Africa's Kouga Municipality since January 8 have largely been brought under control as of January 10, thanks to firefighters, volunteers, and aerial support. Evacuations in Linderhof and temporary relocation at Woodridge School were precautionary, while authorities warn against arson amid reports of deliberate fire-starting and copper cable burning.
The wildfires that ravaged the Kouga Municipality in the Eastern Cape province for four days, starting January 8, began subsiding on January 10 following relentless firefighting operations. Emergency services, bolstered by helicopters, contained the blazes threatening areas around Nelson Mandela Bay, building on initial aerial support from Working on Fire.
Precautionary evacuations occurred in Linderhof due to fire proximity. Woodridge School, near the Gamtoos River outside Nelson Mandela Bay, relocated about 90 learners and staff to a local hotel but later confirmed no further evacuation was needed as the fire came under control.
Municipal authorities issued a directive banning all fires in the area, citing criminal activities including deliberate arson and the burning of copper cables, which worsened the outbreak and risks. SABC News reported the fires as mostly contained, though veldfire challenges persist, with several areas still facing power outages from damaged infrastructure.
