Garden Route wildfires spread to Tsitsikamma

30 October 2018 - 12:54 By Timeslive

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Outeniqua & Robinson Pass has reopened whilst the Montagu Pass remains closed until further notice.
Image: Working on Fire via Twitter

High winds are fanning wildfires in the Garden Route‚ resulting in the closure of the Tsitsikamma toll plaza for motorists driving towards the Eastern Cape.

#GeorgeFire Update

Outeniqua Pass remains closed until further notice.

STATUS OF FIRE
Residents living on the borders of the town and forest are requested to voluntarily evacuate their homes due to danger of smoke inhalation. The fire remains active on the slopes. pic.twitter.com/YDReISbreH
— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) October 29, 2018

Fires are raging on both sides of the N2. Firefighters are battling flames in the Witelsbos area in Tsitsikamma. Police and emergency workers are patrolling the section of highway where heavy smoke has made visibility very poor‚ HeraldLIVE reports.

Fires are raging on both sides of the N2 with large blazes being fought by firefighters in the greatest Witelsbos area in Tsitsikamma in particular. Police and emergency workers are patrolling the section of highway where heavy smoke has made visibility very poor.
📷 pic.twitter.com/A37h4Xp7mA
— HeraldLIVE (@HeraldPE) October 30, 2018

Motorist Andrew Sokolic shared a video of the smoke and fire along the route on Facebook.

Andrew Sokolic

Meanwhile the George municipality said on Twitter that the Outeniqua Pass and the Robinson Pass have been reopened‚ as at mid-morning on Tuesday. The Montague Pass remains closed.