The fires also caused the closure of a section of the N2 and damaged an electricity substation, leading to power outages. 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.
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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. 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.
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