28/10/2025
Our Magical Forest under intense pressure standing strong and true!
Day 4 of The "Unseasonal Wild Fire".
Just one photo to illustrate how this wild fire has engulfed Platbos so far (Platbos is the little green oasis which looks like the African continent on its side.)
Each day so far brings a gap of relief and respite and then a new crisis unfolds... until we get good soaking rains, this cycle will likely continue for a bit.
BUT TO NOTE: Platbos Forest Reserve is safe! Not a single tree has been lost. This is due both to our fire breaks and all our alien clearing efforts since the last most devastating fire of 2006 which saw the birthing of our Platbos Reforestation Project, but ALSO all the most incredible people who have come together to protect not only this forest, but all properties in trouble in our surrounding area. Too many to name individually now, but for now just a huge thank you. And very much to our Platbos staff who have not stopped since Saturday morning.
DAY 4 UPDATE 2: GANSBAAI FIRE 28 October 2025 @ 20:30
At the end of Day Four of the Gansbaai Fire, we are not out of the woods yet, as the night shift fire crew takes over to continue working the lines.
Approximately 1 700 hectares have burned so far.
The firefighters are tired but ready, and the Incident Command Centre reports as follows:
Division A
* The fireline remains active above De Kelders, and the crew will remain on high alert.
* A burnout operation will be conducted on the Baardskeerdersbos Road above Strandkloof, with a possible one-lane road closure.
* The Uitkyk scenic viewpoint line continues to creep.
Division B
* Creeping continues next to the gravel road from Grootbos towards De Uijlenes, with ongoing mop-up operations.
A heartfelt thank you to all roleplayers for their continued dedication, support, and hard work throughout this challenging operation.
Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill
