Urgent Evacuation in Brodie Link Due to Wildfires: Overstrand Municipality Issues Code Red

Residents in Brodie Link, a part of Pringle Bay within the Western Cape of South Africa, have been advised to evacuate with immediate effect as wildfires intensify in the region. Overstrand Municipality has declared a Code Red situation in the locality due to the severity of the fires starting from the Hangklip area, with warnings that other regions may soon require mandatory evacuation.

The Overstrand Municipality, along with the Incident Management Team (IMT), assessed the situation and determined the fire's trajectory to be moving toward Brodie Link, necessitating the timely evacuation of locals to ensure their safety. The IMT is an assembly of various stakeholders including fire and rescue services, law enforcement, traffic, and disaster management, working cohesively to manage the crisis.

Kleinmond Town Hall has been designated as the primary emergency evacuation center for those affected by the fire. Municipal services and first responders are urging the public to cooperate fully with the evacuation order for their safety.

Meanwhile, firefighting efforts are in full force, with aerial and ground teams deployed to contain and extinguish the fire. These efforts are concentrated in the mountainous regions around Pringle Bay, with additional firefighters positioned at the foothills to prevent further spreading.

Overstrand Municipality has issued a stern warning against 'disaster tourism,' strongly advising against visiting the area to take photographs or explore the ongoing firefighting operations. This behavior not only risks personal safety but also obstructs the access and efficiency of emergency service vehicles and personnel working in the area.

There has been a collaborative initiative to protect wildlife in the region as well. CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape, has cautioned hikers to stay away from the Brodie Link and Hangklip trails, along with other trails in the Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay areas. Separately, the Kogelberg Villages Environmental Trustees continue to monitor the local baboon populations, seeking to safeguard them from the encroaching danger of the fires.

The community of Brodie Link and the broader Pringle Bay region face a critical moment. The impact of wildfires is not only an immediate danger to human life and property but also poses long-term ecological threats. As such, adherence to evacuation orders, respecting the role of emergency services, and considering the well-being of wildlife are all of the paramount importance during this time.

Brodie Link community members and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed via official channels and to respond to evacuation orders without delay. Updates on the status of the fires and evacuation notices will be provided by the Overstrand Municipality.