Working on Fire – Kishugu JV in Eastern Cape dispatched the Dontsa team, Hogsback team, and Ongeluksnek team to assist in an effort to suppress the ongoing fire in Wildebees (Ugie) this morning. According to the Ground Operations Manager of the Eastern Cape, Msindisi Poponi they have placed the Lusikisiki team, Moltneo on standby in case the fire gets worse.

This fire started on the 19th of August 2023  in another area around Ugie, which was contained after being suppressed by aerial resources and declared safe on the 20^th of August. A second series of fires started around Block C in Wildebees (Ugie) on Tuesday the 22nd of August. Extreme weather conditions hampered fire suppression activities over this period till four teams were dispatched to assist on Wednesday.

Yesterday the fire was not that much and the Cata team worked overnight mopping up, said Poponi. He said this morning the wind became stronger and made the fire hectic.

Working on Fire is the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Programme that helps fight wild and forest fires.

Chief Executive Officer for Eastern Cape Umbrella FPA Thinus Botha said this fire is threatening a number of structures in the area. “The strong wind is making it difficult for  aerial resources to work, he said

He also said that the fire started due to lightning on top of Prentjiesberg. There are no lives lost, nor properties destroyed from this fire.

On the other hand, there are two ongoing fires in the province, The one in Elliot (Johannes Rust Fire) where 20 firefighters from the Elliott team are working to combat the fire. WOF is assisting the Sakhisizwe FPA in this Fire.

The Katberg Forestry Project team is also hard at work fighting the fire in Benholm Plantation that started this morning.

The Fire Danger Index is very high in most areas of the province and the community members are urged to be on the alert at all time

For media enquiries please contact:

Nthabiseng Mokone
Working on Fire Provincial Communications Office – Eastern Cape
email: nthabiseng.mokone@wofire.co.za
Mobile: 072 148 6516