Visitors to the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) are not in danger from the wildfire that started in the Eastern Cape park on Sunday evening as it has occurred in remote areas.
SANParks said in a statement issued yesterday (Tuesday, July 9) that the fire started on Sunday evening (July 7) when the park experienced gale-force winds.
On Monday, Addo experienced a wildfire in the Zuurberg section of the park. The fire has subsequently moved over to the Nyathi section of the park. The wind changed direction today and the fire is currently burning slowly.
“The source of the fire is unknown at this stage and teams from AENP and the Sarah Baartman West Fire Protection Association are on site to manage the situation, said a SANParks spokesperson.
SANParks said there is some damage to the boundary fence but no animal losses or other infrastructure damage.
“It is estimated that there are about 3 000 hectares that have been burnt but the teams on the ground will only be able to assess that once the weather and smoke allow. Less wind and possible rain are predicted from today (Wednesday, July 10) which will assist with containing the fire,” said SANParks.
