Severe fires lead to road closures in the Overstrand Municipality
Severe fires continue to rage in Overstrand Municipality, prompting road closures on the R43 and detours. Pearly Beach and Stanford remain heavily affected, with hundreds evacuated and firefighting teams working overnight to contain the blaze.
Image: Overstrand Municipality / Facebook
Road closures were reinstated in the Overstrand Municipality early this morning as fires continue to burn across the area.
As reported by chevon booysen from INL https://iol.co.za/news/environment/2026-01-10-overstrand-municipality-faces-severe-fires-leading-to-road-closures/, an Oryx helicopter from the South African Air Force (SAAF) was deployed to Stanford at first light as a priority.
Earlier today, Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill confirmed that the R43 has once again been closed between Stanford and De Kelders.
Regarding detour routes, O’Neill said, “When using the Grootbos/Papiesvlei gravel road detour, please switch on your headlights and reduce your speed. Visibility is low due to dust and uneven surfaces along several sections of the road. Many motorists are also unfamiliar with this route, so please drive with extra caution.”
On Friday evening, the municipality announced that the Pearly Beach fire was still burning actively and remains out of control.
The fire in this area has been burning for seven days and, at about 3pm on Friday, experienced three flare ups. These flare ups encroached on the Pearly Beach resort.
“The fire made a 180 degree turn and spread in an easterly direction, fanned by high wind speeds,” O’Neill said.
The fire was burning along the R43, from Duinefontein Game Reserve towards Uilkraalmond.
On Friday evening, O’Neill said, “The area at Pearly Beach Resort is burning with high intensity, with the fire moving onto the resort. Firefighters are actively engaged in suppression efforts, and an additional specialised ground team will be deployed this evening to help contain the fire. The fire is burning on two sides at Eluxolweni. On one side, teams managed to guide the fire around the informal settlement, while on the other side, fire suppression activities continue. The area, therefore, remains at risk. An alert SMS was issued to residents to remain aware.”
The Stanford fire has been burning for four days, with about 80 individuals temporarily relocated to the Stanford Community Hall.
“Approximately 5,300 ha of land burnt. Firefighting activities continue. The fire posed a threat to the Die Kop informal settlement, and a possible evacuation was communicated. Thembelihle was also warned of heavy smoke and advised to stay alert in case an evacuation becomes necessary.
“Twenty two households (approximately 80 individuals) are currently being accommodated at Stanford Community Hall,” said O’Neill.
Firefighting crews and ground teams remained on the line throughout the night.