Mountain Fire Incident in Haarlem near George

On Friday evening, 15 March 2024, mountain fires broke out in Haarlem, a small town on the eastern outskirts of the George Municipal precinct. The George Fire Brigade, along with the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire Services, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), and Working on Fire (WOF), promptly mobilised their firefighting teams to respond to the blaze. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage.

This morning, 16 March, firefighting crews conducted a full reconnaissance and subsequently deployed drones. Currently, the northwestern line against Haarlem town poses no threat to structures. Meanwhile, the southern line remains active, with ground crews diligently working to contain it. The northeasterly line is advancing towards orchards, prompting the George Fire team to mobilise in that direction. Additionally, the George Mobile Water tanker has been activated to provide water support to the firefighters.

Despite the fire’s intensity, the firefighting teams are effectively safeguarding all structures, ensuring their security. We will continue to provide updates on any developments regarding the situation.

For any emergencies, the George Fire Department can be contacted on Fire Emergencies: 044 801 6311 or After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300.