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9 January 2026
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Two major wildfires resulted in Code Red declared for Overstrand
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In early January 2026, the Overstrand region of the Western Cape found itself battling two major wildfires that devastated large swathes of land, threatened communities and drew an extensive fire and rescue response from local, provincial and specialist teams. Estimated to have burnt around 15 292 hectares of veld and farmland since first igniting in late, the fires have flattened four structures, including two homes. Overstrand Fire Chief, Lester Smith, declared a Code Red on 8 January 2026 with several municipal teams from neighbouring councils ie Swartland, Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Cape Winelands and the City of Cape Town supporting firefighting efforts alongside Overberg District Fire Services, Kishugu Aviation, Working on Fire, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), NCC, CapeNature, GoFPA, several farmers and environmental partners.
This cross-agency effort reflects the overwhelming resource demands placed on the Overstrand’s own services, compounded by simultaneous fires elsewhere in the Western Cape. Law enforcement, security and traffic services, provincial traffic are also on scene providing assistance.
The Pearly Beach fire, which broke out in early January, destroyed thousands of hectares and an electricity pole behind the Eluxolweni Sewage Plant, though power supply remains stable. Kilometres of Wi-Fi infrastructure were damaged in the fire and have since been repaired.
The fire rapidly spread due to hot, dry conditions and strong winds. At times, thick smoke and active fire lines forced the closure of major roads, including sections of the R43, creating challenges for evacuees, residents and emergency vehicles.
Beyond fire suppression, animal welfare organisations such as the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa were on the ground assisting with animal rescue, treatment and sheltering. These teams have been critical in addressing the collateral humanitarian consequences of the fires.
Current status: The Pearly Beach and Stanford Fires remain out of control. Conditions are changing with rising temperatures and increasing wind.
The recent fire updates
Overstrand Fire Update: Pearly Beach & Stanford Fires 07 January 2026 @ 23:00
Stanford Fire (Day 1): The fire reported at Stanford is still actively burning, and crews remain on the fireline. Swartland Municipality was deployed to assist at Pearly Beach and has since been rerouted to assist at Stanford. An initial hour of aerial support from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) assisted with firefighting and flew until last light, when the chopper had to return to base. Access to the fire remains a challenge.
Pearly Beach Fire (Day 4): Division Oscar (Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni): The block has not yet been closed, and crews will remain on the assigned division to attempt to close the block. Drakenstein Municipality has been deployed to assist along this line.
Division Delta: The fire has made a 360-degree turn and is currently actively burning back from Baardskeerdersbos towards Duinefontein Game Reserve. It is also burning back towards the seaside, where the lines have already reached the farms.
Update 3 Day 4 Pearly Beach Fire 07 January 2026 @ 15:30
Active firefighting is ongoing, and the fire is burning over the mountain toward Baardskeerderbos. Expect to see lots of smoke and flames.
Update 2 Day 4 Pearly Beach Fire 07 January 2026 @ 12:30
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Ald Archie Klaas and Municipal Manager Dr Dean O’Neill, joined Overstrand Fire Chief Lester Smith to welcome Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Local Government, Anton Bredell, at the Incident Command Centre this morning, 7 January 2026, to receive an operational update on Day 4 of the Pearly Beach wildfire. Assistant Fire Chief for Operations and Training, Angelo Aplon, provided the following update:
Approximately 200 people are actively involved in the firefighting operations, supported by aerial resources.
These include Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) and Enviro Consultants working free of charge, fire teams from CapeNature and NCC, fire fighters from Overstrand Municipality and Overberg District Municipality, as well as landowners assisting with fire suppression. Municipal traffic and law enforcement officers and the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa are also supporting operations.
Back of Duinefontein Pub / CapeNature property (Division Charlie): CapeNature firebreaks are holding. One creeping fire line remains, but it is contained within a defined block.
Pearly Beach Sewage Works, Eluxolweni and Pearly Beach residential areas (Division Oscar): Fire crews are actively working to close off this block.
Back of Pearly Beach Resort (Division Alpha): Firefighting crews will focus today on an active fire line that remains an area of concern, while continuing efforts to close the block.
Above Klein Paradys (Division Delta): This remains the primary area of concern, with active firefighting continuing in the mountain and rural area.
Electricity: Power was briefly off in Pearly Beach to replant a pole and replace a transformer damaged on the farms’ side.
Fire breaks: Mayor Klaas issued a stern warning, stating that directives regarding firebreaks must be complied with. Affected landowners are strongly urged to engage with the Overstrand Fire Department and GoFPA to ensure that all required firebreaks are established.
Pearly Beach Fire 07 January 2026 @ 06:00
Pearly Beach Main Road has a few hotspots; fire services are on the scene. Open to traffic. Baardskeerdersbos / Pearly Beach gravel road is also open to traffic, with a few hotspots. R43 towards Buffeljags remains closed at this stage. Provincial traffic authorities are on the scene.
Update 4 Day 3: Pearly Beach Fire 06 January 2026 @ 20:00
Firefighting efforts are continuing under harsh and windy conditions.
Status: The fire is not yet under control, and crews are working on both sides of the R43 on two flanks: one burning towards Pearly Beach and the other moving towards the Baardskeerdersbos gravel road. Some damage has occurred to municipal infrastructure. An electricity pole burned behind the Eloxulweni Sewage Plant; however, the electricity supply remains stable. There are also reports of Wi-Fi infrastructure being damaged. Two structures on a farm to the left of the R43 were destroyed and two others were damaged.
Tonight’s tactics: Operations will focus on attempting to close the fire line (“block”) towards Pearly Beach during the cooler evening period. Smoke and flames will remain visible. It is hoped that cooler conditions and possible rainfall will provide some relief.
Resources: Aerial resources have been stood down for the night. Overstrand Municipal Fire Services, Traffic and Law Enforcement, NCC teams, Volunteer Wildfire Services, landowners and goFPA, CapeNature, and Pearly Beach volunteers will remain on scene.
Update 3 Day 3: Pearly Beach Fire 06 January 2026 @ 18:45
Road status: Visibility on the R43 between Uilenkraalsmond and Pearly Beach has improved; therefore, Overstrand Municipality traffic officials will escort motorists into and out of Pearly Beach as long as it is safe to do so. The R43 from Pearly Beach to Buffeljagsbaai remains closed.
Update 2 Day 3: Pearly Beach Fire 06 January 2026 @ 14:15
Road status: R43 Gansbaai between Uilenskraalsmond and Pearly Beach remains closed.
Due to heavy smoke on the usual gravel detour roads, motorists will now be redirected via Uilenskraalsmond to Baardskeerdersbos, then through Elim and Die Damme, and vise versa.An update will follow once visibility improves and the main road or regular detour is safe to use.
Update 1 Day 3: Pearly Beach Fire 06 January 2026 @ 12:30
The fire has jumped the R43, and strong winds continue to push it toward the entrance of Pearly Beach. Residents must be aware that the fire may move closer to residential areas and should be prepared for a possible evacuation in Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni. Please make way for fire and emergency vehicles. Do not block roads or access routes, and avoid becoming a “fire tourist.”
Road status: There is heavy smoke in the area, and minor roads may be closed at short notice. Please follow the directions of traffic officials at all times. The R43 near Gansbaai, between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing, has been closed again due to poor visibility. The detour route is a gravel road. Motorists are advised to switch on their headlights and reduce speed, as visibility is poor due to dust and uneven road surfaces in several sections. Detour: from Gansbaai via Uilenkraalsmond towards Pearly Beach, and then via Pearly Beach Road to Baardskeerdersbos Road.
Update 2 Day 2: Pearly Beach Fire 05 January 2026 @ 15:30
Road status: The R43 Gansbaai, at the Uilenkraalsmond and Pearly Beach crossing, has been reopened.
Update 1 Day 2: Pearly Beach Fire 05 January 2026 @ 11:30
Road status: The R43 near Gansbaai, between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing, has been closed again due to poor visibility. A detour is in place: from Gansbaai via Uilenkraalsmond towards Pearly Beach, and then via Pearly Beach Road to Baardskeerdersbos Road. The detour route is a gravel road. Motorists are advised to switch on their headlights and reduce speed, as visibility is poor due to dust and uneven road surfaces in several sections. Many road users are unfamiliar with this route, so drive with extra care.
Update 3: Pearly Beach Fire 04 January 2026 @ 18:00
Aerial resources have returned to base as the teams on the ground continue to make good progress with the fire under the current conditions. A predicted wind shift is likely to push the fire away from the R43 and into the thick, dense vegetation towards the ocean. Firefighting crews will remain on the line until it is safe, and two ground teams have been arranged to assist early tomorrow morning.
Update 2 : Pearly Beach Fire 04 January 2026 @ 16:15
Road status: The fire has intensified along the R43 near Gansbaai, between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing, causing unsafe conditions for motorists due to poor visibility. The road is closed again, and the detour is in place: From Gansbaai via Uilenskraalmond towards Pearly Beach, and via Pearly Beach Road towards Baardskerdersbos Road.
Alert: Pearly Beach Fire 04 January 2026 @ 13:00
Overstrand Municipality is attending to a fire near Pearly Beach. Aerial resources have also been activated. The fire is on both sides of the road, and the R43 between Gansbaai and Pearly Beach is closed due to smoke and poor visibility.
Detour: From Gansbaai via Uilenskraalmond towards Pearly Beach, and via Pearly Beach Road towards Baardskerdersbos Road.
Sources: Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill, Overstrand Municipality, IOL
This cross-agency effort reflects the overwhelming resource demands placed on the Overstrand’s own services, compounded by simultaneous fires elsewhere in the Western Cape. Law enforcement, security and traffic services, provincial traffic are also on scene providing assistance.
The Pearly Beach fire, which broke out in early January, destroyed thousands of hectares and an electricity pole behind the Eluxolweni Sewage Plant, though power supply remains stable. Kilometres of Wi-Fi infrastructure were damaged in the fire and have since been repaired.
The fire rapidly spread due to hot, dry conditions and strong winds. At times, thick smoke and active fire lines forced the closure of major roads, including sections of the R43, creating challenges for evacuees, residents and emergency vehicles.
Beyond fire suppression, animal welfare organisations such as the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa were on the ground assisting with animal rescue, treatment and sheltering. These teams have been critical in addressing the collateral humanitarian consequences of the fires.
Current status: The Pearly Beach and Stanford Fires remain out of control. Conditions are changing with rising temperatures and increasing wind.
The recent fire updates
Overstrand Fire Update: Pearly Beach & Stanford Fires 07 January 2026 @ 23:00
Stanford Fire (Day 1): The fire reported at Stanford is still actively burning, and crews remain on the fireline. Swartland Municipality was deployed to assist at Pearly Beach and has since been rerouted to assist at Stanford. An initial hour of aerial support from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) assisted with firefighting and flew until last light, when the chopper had to return to base. Access to the fire remains a challenge.
Pearly Beach Fire (Day 4): Division Oscar (Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni): The block has not yet been closed, and crews will remain on the assigned division to attempt to close the block. Drakenstein Municipality has been deployed to assist along this line.
Division Delta: The fire has made a 360-degree turn and is currently actively burning back from Baardskeerdersbos towards Duinefontein Game Reserve. It is also burning back towards the seaside, where the lines have already reached the farms.
Update 3 Day 4 Pearly Beach Fire 07 January 2026 @ 15:30
Active firefighting is ongoing, and the fire is burning over the mountain toward Baardskeerderbos. Expect to see lots of smoke and flames.
Update 2 Day 4 Pearly Beach Fire 07 January 2026 @ 12:30
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Ald Archie Klaas and Municipal Manager Dr Dean O’Neill, joined Overstrand Fire Chief Lester Smith to welcome Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Local Government, Anton Bredell, at the Incident Command Centre this morning, 7 January 2026, to receive an operational update on Day 4 of the Pearly Beach wildfire. Assistant Fire Chief for Operations and Training, Angelo Aplon, provided the following update:
Approximately 200 people are actively involved in the firefighting operations, supported by aerial resources.
These include Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) and Enviro Consultants working free of charge, fire teams from CapeNature and NCC, fire fighters from Overstrand Municipality and Overberg District Municipality, as well as landowners assisting with fire suppression. Municipal traffic and law enforcement officers and the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa are also supporting operations.
Back of Duinefontein Pub / CapeNature property (Division Charlie): CapeNature firebreaks are holding. One creeping fire line remains, but it is contained within a defined block.
Pearly Beach Sewage Works, Eluxolweni and Pearly Beach residential areas (Division Oscar): Fire crews are actively working to close off this block.
Back of Pearly Beach Resort (Division Alpha): Firefighting crews will focus today on an active fire line that remains an area of concern, while continuing efforts to close the block.
Above Klein Paradys (Division Delta): This remains the primary area of concern, with active firefighting continuing in the mountain and rural area.
Electricity: Power was briefly off in Pearly Beach to replant a pole and replace a transformer damaged on the farms’ side.
Fire breaks: Mayor Klaas issued a stern warning, stating that directives regarding firebreaks must be complied with. Affected landowners are strongly urged to engage with the Overstrand Fire Department and GoFPA to ensure that all required firebreaks are established.
Pearly Beach Fire 07 January 2026 @ 06:00
Pearly Beach Main Road has a few hotspots; fire services are on the scene. Open to traffic. Baardskeerdersbos / Pearly Beach gravel road is also open to traffic, with a few hotspots. R43 towards Buffeljags remains closed at this stage. Provincial traffic authorities are on the scene.
Update 4 Day 3: Pearly Beach Fire 06 January 2026 @ 20:00
Firefighting efforts are continuing under harsh and windy conditions.
Status: The fire is not yet under control, and crews are working on both sides of the R43 on two flanks: one burning towards Pearly Beach and the other moving towards the Baardskeerdersbos gravel road. Some damage has occurred to municipal infrastructure. An electricity pole burned behind the Eloxulweni Sewage Plant; however, the electricity supply remains stable. There are also reports of Wi-Fi infrastructure being damaged. Two structures on a farm to the left of the R43 were destroyed and two others were damaged.
Tonight’s tactics: Operations will focus on attempting to close the fire line (“block”) towards Pearly Beach during the cooler evening period. Smoke and flames will remain visible. It is hoped that cooler conditions and possible rainfall will provide some relief.
Resources: Aerial resources have been stood down for the night. Overstrand Municipal Fire Services, Traffic and Law Enforcement, NCC teams, Volunteer Wildfire Services, landowners and goFPA, CapeNature, and Pearly Beach volunteers will remain on scene.
Update 3 Day 3: Pearly Beach Fire 06 January 2026 @ 18:45
Road status: Visibility on the R43 between Uilenkraalsmond and Pearly Beach has improved; therefore, Overstrand Municipality traffic officials will escort motorists into and out of Pearly Beach as long as it is safe to do so. The R43 from Pearly Beach to Buffeljagsbaai remains closed.
Update 2 Day 3: Pearly Beach Fire 06 January 2026 @ 14:15
Road status: R43 Gansbaai between Uilenskraalsmond and Pearly Beach remains closed.
Due to heavy smoke on the usual gravel detour roads, motorists will now be redirected via Uilenskraalsmond to Baardskeerdersbos, then through Elim and Die Damme, and vise versa.An update will follow once visibility improves and the main road or regular detour is safe to use.
Update 1 Day 3: Pearly Beach Fire 06 January 2026 @ 12:30
The fire has jumped the R43, and strong winds continue to push it toward the entrance of Pearly Beach. Residents must be aware that the fire may move closer to residential areas and should be prepared for a possible evacuation in Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni. Please make way for fire and emergency vehicles. Do not block roads or access routes, and avoid becoming a “fire tourist.”
Road status: There is heavy smoke in the area, and minor roads may be closed at short notice. Please follow the directions of traffic officials at all times. The R43 near Gansbaai, between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing, has been closed again due to poor visibility. The detour route is a gravel road. Motorists are advised to switch on their headlights and reduce speed, as visibility is poor due to dust and uneven road surfaces in several sections. Detour: from Gansbaai via Uilenkraalsmond towards Pearly Beach, and then via Pearly Beach Road to Baardskeerdersbos Road.
Update 2 Day 2: Pearly Beach Fire 05 January 2026 @ 15:30
Road status: The R43 Gansbaai, at the Uilenkraalsmond and Pearly Beach crossing, has been reopened.
Update 1 Day 2: Pearly Beach Fire 05 January 2026 @ 11:30
Road status: The R43 near Gansbaai, between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing, has been closed again due to poor visibility. A detour is in place: from Gansbaai via Uilenkraalsmond towards Pearly Beach, and then via Pearly Beach Road to Baardskeerdersbos Road. The detour route is a gravel road. Motorists are advised to switch on their headlights and reduce speed, as visibility is poor due to dust and uneven road surfaces in several sections. Many road users are unfamiliar with this route, so drive with extra care.
Update 3: Pearly Beach Fire 04 January 2026 @ 18:00
Aerial resources have returned to base as the teams on the ground continue to make good progress with the fire under the current conditions. A predicted wind shift is likely to push the fire away from the R43 and into the thick, dense vegetation towards the ocean. Firefighting crews will remain on the line until it is safe, and two ground teams have been arranged to assist early tomorrow morning.
Update 2 : Pearly Beach Fire 04 January 2026 @ 16:15
Road status: The fire has intensified along the R43 near Gansbaai, between Uilenkraalsmond and the Pearly Beach crossing, causing unsafe conditions for motorists due to poor visibility. The road is closed again, and the detour is in place: From Gansbaai via Uilenskraalmond towards Pearly Beach, and via Pearly Beach Road towards Baardskerdersbos Road.
Alert: Pearly Beach Fire 04 January 2026 @ 13:00
Overstrand Municipality is attending to a fire near Pearly Beach. Aerial resources have also been activated. The fire is on both sides of the road, and the R43 between Gansbaai and Pearly Beach is closed due to smoke and poor visibility.
Detour: From Gansbaai via Uilenskraalmond towards Pearly Beach, and via Pearly Beach Road towards Baardskerdersbos Road.
Sources: Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill, Overstrand Municipality, IOL
