Lightning sparks fire at Garden Route National Park

A lightning strike has caused a fire in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, north of the Bloukrans Bridge in the Western Cape.

The fire remains inaccessible due to challenging terrain and counter burns and aerial water bombing are being used to contain the flames.

In a statement, the South African National Parks (SANParks) says that measures are in place to prevent the fire from spreading uncontrollably and potentially causing damage to property.

SANParks is also urging people to stay clear from the affected areas to allow emergency services to carry out their work.

It says the management of the fire is conducted under a Joint Operational Command (JOC) between the National Parks, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA) and Mountain to Ocean (MTO) Group to ensure a coordinated response to the situation.

SANParks adds that the fire is managed as a controlled burn and not a runaway wildfire.