Fires in the Kouga Municipality have largely subsided, as the efforts of firefighters and volunteers begin to yield positive results.
Earlier, residents of Linderhof were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The municipality has also issued a directive to residents not to start any fires, as there are reports of criminal activity involving deliberate ignition of fires.
Emergency services are on the ground as the fire has rampaged this area for four days.
The Kouga municipality has issued an urgent directive to resident “not to start fires anywhere within the municipal area”. This follows reports of criminal acts involving deliberate fires, including the burning of copper cables, which pose a severe threat to lives, property and… pic.twitter.com/lh4gfkguy5
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 10, 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJgR4NHhw68
‘No need for evacuation’
Meanwhile, the Woodridge school in the Eastern Cape has indicated that authorities have the fire in the area under control, and there is no need for evacuation at this stage.
Earlier, about 90 learners and teachers at the school, outside Nelson Mandela Bay, were placed on standby for possible evacuation amid concerns over a nearby fire.
They have been moved to a local hotel near the Gamtoos River as a precautionary measure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbpqA3O6L3E
WATCH | Eastern Cape wildfires prompt the evacuation of Linderhof residents in Kouga. Fires are mostly under control, with helicopters assisting. SABC News reporter Kim Daniels has more. pic.twitter.com/0zWFxy5nLa
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 10, 2026
