The devastating vegetation fire that has been raging in Stilbaai since Sunday has been brought under control. True team effort has been shown between local, district and provincial authorities, local farmers and the Hessequa community. The bravery and courage shown by the firefighters in battling the blazing fire has been remarkable. Hessequa Municipality would like to thank the community for their support and the overwhelming donations that was received during this crisis.
Reports from two days ago, show that 22 000 hectares of vegetation and farmland has been destroyed by the fire. A total of 9 structure was lost in the destruction.
Currently all resources are still on scene to monitor the situation. 40 firefighters on the ground and aerial support on standby. Ground support and firefighters will remain on scene to monitor flare ups throughout the weekend.
Risk assessment will be conducted by the Department of Agriculture from Monday to assess the damage and will be assisted by all roleplayers.
The focus of the JOC (Joint Operations Committee) will now shift from crisis management to recovery and social aspect of the fire.
Hessequa Municipality would like to thank the following stakeholder for their support and resources during this pressing time:
Eden District Municipality
Eden Disaster Management
Eden Department of Health
Working on Fire Ground teams
Working on Fire Aerial Resources
Provincial Disaster Management (Fire & Rescue)
Souther Cape Fire Protection Assosiation
Kishugu
Mosselbay Fire
George Fire
Knysna Fire
Eskom
Ambulance Operations
Ambulance Technical
SAPS
Provincial Traffic
MTO
Agri
SANRAL
Transnet
Media
Lions Club
Stilbaai Chamber of Commerce
NG Kerk Wes Riversdal
Hessequa Community and farmers
