Another Cape blaze rages: Fire near Houw Hoek pass 'out of control'

News24
18 Jan 2019, 02:37 GMT+10

Another fire flared up in the Western Cape on Thursday - this time near the busy Houw Hoek Pass on the N2 - just as crews packed up after last week's devastating blaze in the region.

Working on Fire (WOF) spokesperson Lauren Howard said the latest fire was in the Bot River/Houw Hoek Pass area.

"We have firefighters there," said Howard.

So far, evacuations have not been called for but Overberg and Overstrand fire services personnel were going to help put the fire out.

The Overstrand Fire Protection Agency posted on Facebook that the wildfire was burning out of control.

"Fire services are supported by landowners, Overstrand and lots of aerial resources," said the update.

The Overstrand municipality said the N2 was still open for traffic and that provincial traffic officers were on the scene to monitor the road because the smoke was affecting visibility.

The region was just recovering from devastating fires in Betty's Bay and Hermanus's Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

The Overstrand fires have been raging since New Year's Day. At least 31 homes were destroyed and 28 were damaged.

PICS: Betty's Bay residents recall 'panic' as fire inched closer to homes

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to San Jose Sun.

More Information

US Sports

Section

How gambling built baseball - and then almost destroyed it

Imagine if, after watching the thrilling victory of the Chicago Cubs in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series over ...

Lebron James Weighs in on China-NBA Tensions

National Basketball Association superstar Lebron James says he believes a Houston Rockets official didn't consider the "consequences" of his actions ...