R62 closed between Barrydale and Montagu due to a fire

Breaking News

KAROO NEWS - The road between Barrydale and Montagu has been closed due to fires next to R62 closer to Montagu side.

According to the Cape Wineland District Municipality their fire services, together with various partners, continue active firefighting operations on several fires across the district.

The most concerning incident remains the fireline that originated above the Guano Caves outside Montagu. This fire has been burning along rocky ridges and through sparse vegetation.

Firefighters made excellent progress toward containment last night but were forced to withdraw when heavy mist moved in, creating hazardous conditions.

Teams resumed suppression efforts early this morning. However, strong winds developed late this morning, pushing the fireline into a lusher area where it intensified, crossed a firebreak, and subsequently jumped the R62 in mulitple locations.

Crews from CWDM, Langeberg Municipality, CapeNature, landowners, and RRM Security have deployed multiple vehicles and are engaged in active property protection. Helicopters have been dispatched and are en route. Multiple structures are currently at risk.

Heavy smoke is affecting the broader area. Motorists advised that the R62 has been closed.

Challenging terrain and extremely dry conditions continue to hamper firefighting efforts. Operations will continue throughout the night and into tomorrow.

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