Raging veld fires in Nelson Mandela Bay force K9 Unit evacuation, cause multi-vehicle accident

Several raging veld and bush fires continued to tear through parts of Nelson Mandela Bay on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of the police K9 unit and triggering a multi-vehicle accident.

Traffic was again disrupted on the N2 between Nelson Mandela Bay and Jeffreys Bay after a fire near Van Stadens, which had earlier been brought under control, reignited amid gusty winds, sending thick plumes of smoke across the highway and reducing visibility.

In a late-afternoon notice, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Fire and Emergency Services warned motorists that that section of the N2 had been closed once again.

“The fire, previously brought under control earlier today, has reignited due to strong winds, prompting the closure of the N2 once again. The fire poses a significant threat, and residents are advised to exercise caution, stay alert and avoid the area,” said the municipality.

Six firefighting vehicles remained deployed in the area. Authorities said shifting winds were complicating firefighting efforts, with teams focused on protecting nearby communities and infrastructure.

At least four vehicles were involved in an accident on the N2 near the Wind Farm petrol station, where thick plumes of smoke made driving conditions extremely hazardous.

The municipality said that a combination of hot summer temperatures, low rainfall and the region’s strong, unpredictable winds has created near-perfect conditions for fires to spread rapidly, stretching firefighting resources and keeping communities on high alert.

Read more: Nelson Mandela Bay on high alert after dry, windy veld fires ignite home and highway hazards

Substation damaged

Firefighters also battled a separate blaze in a bush area near the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Forest Hill.

Ward 2 councillor Sean Tappan said the fire had burned through a graveyard and damaged the Summerstrand substation, leaving large parts of the area and neighbouring neighbourhoods without electricity.

“There is damage to the substation, so the electricity supply is currently off and under assessment,” said Tappan. “The fire has also spread to the Strandfontein Road municipal tip.” Electricity was restored to Summerstrand in the early evening.

Tappan said the Protea Children’s Home and Summer Dunes Retirement Village had been placed on standby as a precaution, while the Summerstrand Neighbourhood Watch, traffic officers, metro police and the fire department worked to manage traffic and limit further damage.

Summerstrand Neighbourhood Watch chair Ian Millar said residents had reported seeing a man starting some of the fires in the area.

“We spoke to several people who said they had seen a man lighting fires. He was later found in the afternoon and taken to the police station for the necessary processes,” said Millar.

Describing the fire as intense, Millar said: “Large trees were brought down, and flames tore through branches and leaves. You could feel the heat from inside your car while driving past. It was a big fire, and it is not over yet — we still need to keep an eye on it tonight.

“There are a number of bush-dwellers nearby, and we hope they are able to move to safety before the fire reaches them.”

‘Sterling job’

He praised firefighters, workers from other emergency services, and the community for their swift response to an appeal for supplies to support firefighting efforts.

“Our firefighters did a sterling job protecting buildings in the path of the fire. Army fire teams were also involved and have been doing excellent work,” said Millar.

“We asked residents for water, sugary sweets and eye drops, and were overwhelmed by the response. Donations were dropped off at the Sasol petrol station and distributed to firefighters as they continued working.”

Meanwhile, police confirmed that fires in Southdene had forced the evacuation of the SAPS K9 Unit on Wednesday when flames threatened the premises.

Police spokesperson Captain André Beetge said dry vegetation and strong winds had caused the fire to spread rapidly towards the K9 Unit.

“Due to the dryness of the surrounding bushes, further fuelled by strong winds, the Nelson Mandela Bay Fire Department issued evacuation orders as the fire began encroaching on the K9 Unit premises,” said Beetge.

“At about 12, all K9 dogs were safely evacuated and relocated to privately owned kennelling facilities.”

No SAPS members or staff were injured, he said.

The Ndlambe Local Municipality, which includes Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea, warned motorists travelling between Boknes and Klipfontein (along the R72) to exercise extreme caution due to an active veld fire.

The municipality said its fire and emergency services were on the scene and managing the situation. DM