Raging fires brought under control in NMB after six elderly residents were evacuated in Seaview – NMBM

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality working closely with key stakeholders is effectively managing to contain open fires that flared up and posed a danger in Seaview, Beachview,

Forrest Hill and Baywest areas during what has been a gruelling 72 hours for the Metro. The City has deployed a total of seven fire engines and 14 firefighters spread across Forrest Hill, Beachview and Seaview, Victoria Drive and Willow Road.

NMBM Executive Mayor, Cllr Mayor Retief Odendaal said, “our fire fighters are working around the clock together with other stakeholders to minimize the impact of the fires that continue to spread due to strong winds.

The fires are currently under control but still burning, and the situation can, however, quickly change as wind conditions change – we are expecting strong winds later in the day that may cause several fires to flare up.

The Metro is therefore monitoring the situation and fire trucks have been deployed to high- risk areas such as Seaview, with some areas being inaccessible and that are posing ongoing challenges.”.

We welcome assistance from the Gift of the Givers, who have committed to deliver a helicopter and spotter plane to beef up the City’s firefighting efforts after six elderly residents living with disabilities were evacuated from the New Rest informal settlement in Seaview on Tuesday night. “The spotter plane will do the spotting to guide where the team must throw the water. They are coming from the Western Cape and we are expecting them to be here around 9am.

The Disaster Management in the Western Cape is also sending firefighting crews to assist us. Two water tankers will also be made available.”

The Municipality warns residents not to start open fires and leave them unattended. A warning is also made to pedestrians and motorists not to throw away burning cigarettes as they have also been identified as a cause of veld fires. Motorists are also warned to drive with caution when approaching an area that has got veld fires, as poor visibility and danger is always a possibility.

Our firefighters are understandably tired but remain in good spirits and equipped to manage the fires. We thank our stakeholders for the support including Farmco and volunteer groups of Disaster Management that continue to assist us. Working together we will overcome the challenge.”

Residents are urged to immediately report any fires to NMBM fire control centre on 041 585 1555.

Issued by:

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Spokesperson

Sithembiso Soyaya

Tel: 041 506 1560

Cell: 066 3033 992

Email: ssoyaya@mandelametro.gov.za or mediaenquries@mandelametro.gov.za