Safety Alert.

Working On Fire (WOF) and other agencies are currently engaged in the containment of the raging wildfire in the mountains between George and Wilderness. The area has been closed off for a number of reasons:-

1. It is very unsafe for members of the public to be in the area. The obvious fire and smoke hazard can be life threatening to any recreational outdoor user.
2. The area must be clear of all civilians to allow the firefighters to concentrate on their job, which also includes starting secondary fires for the purpose of back burning. Being caught between two or more fire fronts will be a serious concern for the Wildfire Incident Commanders.
3. The roads have to be free for the emergency vehicles to  use.
4. It may happen that burning or burnt trees will be falling across roads.
5. Firefighting aircraft are operating in the area as well.

The area mostly affected are the Outaniqua mountains above George which is managed by Cape Nature (a signatory of Wilderness Search And Rescue).

WSAR asks the public to please be aware that this area is closed for the following activities until further notice:-

• hiking
• trail running
• mountain biking
• driving
• guest accommodation may also be affected

Please call 021 937 0300 or 112 for any mountain and wilderness emergencies.