Over R6m in damages as Overstrand battles multiple active fires

Fire

Overstrand authorities in the Western Cape say it is estimated that fires have cost the municipality more than R6 million over the past week.

Fires are still burning actively. One is in Pearly Beach, the other is at Uilkraalsmond, as well as at Koude Vlakte near Stanford.

Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill says structures have been destroyed, but they cannot confirm exactly how many at this stage, adding that damage assessments will commence once all fire lines are contained and mopping-up operations will begin on the active lines.

O’Neill says it is estimated that a total of more than 33 000 hectares have burned in Pearly Beach, with just over 4 000 hectares burned in the Stanford fire.

Firefighters remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames in the Overstrand area following fires in Pearly Beach and Stanford in the Western Cape.https://t.co/BlGVOH0J4D #GovZAUpdates

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) January 11, 2026