Families in Mossel Bay are reeling after a fast-moving veldfire tore through parts of Island View, Vakansieplaas and Aalwyndal, destroying homes, vehicles and livelihoods, and forcing residents to flee with little warning. As flames advanced towards residential streets on Tuesday, thick smoke and poor visibility led to the closure of the N2 between the Langeberg Mall off-ramp and Dana Bay. The road reopened just after 5am on Wednesday, but for many residents the night marked the start of an uncertain future.
WATCH | Three firefighters have sustained injuries, with one being hospitalised for smoke inhalation after a fire that broke out in Mossel Bay on Tuesday. Authorities say the fire has been largely contained.pic.twitter.com/7TpYtQzeNI For Island View resident Shane Jensen, the danger became real within minutes. “We knew there was a fire, but suddenly the smoke was thick and glowing orange,” he said.
“When we reached the top of our street, we could see the fire coming over the embankment. If it had jumped the road, we would have been trapped. There’s only one way out.” Jensen evacuated his family and dogs while he stayed behind to help neighbours and direct traffic.
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There was nothing left to save. Not even a chair. Just ashes.
“More than 10 houses burnt to the ground. People lost everything: furniture, photographs, and things passed down through generations. You can replace walls but not memories,” said Jensen.
A Vakansieplaas resident who asked not to be named said her family barely escaped as the fire tore through their property. “We grabbed our children and ran. Within minutes, the roof was gone, our cars burnt, our clothes burnt – everything we worked for is gone.
We are still in shock.” Another affected resident, Isabel Bowie, described returning to rubble hours after evacuating. “I left thinking maybe the fire would not reach us. When I came back, there was nothing left to save. Just ashes.” Emergency accommodation was provided by the nearby ATKV resort, which opened its doors to displaced residents after receiving a request from the municipality and local community safety structures.
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