Kannaland fire smoke reduced as containment efforts extend through weekend

Ground operations to contain a fire in Heidelberg are making significant progress, according to officials.

The Kannaland Municipality fire crews are still working to reduce smoke in the western side of the region, with efforts expected to continue over the weekend.

Assistance from the Garden Route District Municipality is currently restricted to health oversight and fire service.

Garden Route Fire Chief, Deon Stoffles, confirmed that the day shift crew would continue with mop-up efforts following a successful defensive burn.

"Yesterday's day shift crew implemented a backing burn of approximately 2.5 kilometres along the south-western corner of the wildfire in an effort to protect nearby infrastructure," Stoffles stated. "The burn was completed successfully late last night, and the area was guarded and mopped up by our night shift crews. The day shift crew will continue with flushing and mopping up of these areas."