The upkeep of land within SA Navy premises has been criticised, with people living near navy compounds describing the areas as devoid of crucial firebreaks.
Residents and fire prevention authorities are concerned that multiple firebreaks in the Cape Peninsula on City of Cape Town and privately owned land were not maintained before the start of the 2023/24 fire season in the Western Cape.
Pringle Bay residents were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday, as the Hangklip fire raged on, with thick smoke engulfing the coastal village and flames fanned by swirling gusts of wind. The evacuation order was lifted on Tuesday night, but the fire remained out of control. ‘Almost apocalyptic’ is h.
In a Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) update at 10.50pm, the DRMC said that officials on site at the fire along the Glencairn Expressway advised that the area was inundated with smoke and asked residents close to the blaze to close doors and windows to mitigate the risk of any health impa.