Witfontein area remains closed

One of the most popular areas in George amongst residents and visitors, the Witfontein forestry station, remains closed to the public following the fires late last year.

A reader of the George Herald contacted the newspaper after he was refused entry at the weekend.

This area is very popular amongst hikers and cyclists, especially on weekends. CapeNature said in a statement to the George Herald that plantations in the Witfontein vicinity were damaged during the fires and falling trees pose a threat to visitor safety at this time.

The nature reserve is however open and alternative access points for members of the public include the Pass-to-Pass trail (Outeniqua Pass) and Kouma trail (Robertson Pass).

Witfontein will remain closed until further notice. CapeNature will communicate as soon as the area is cleared and re-opened for members of the public to safely access again.

At least 65 000 hectares of vegetation were destroyed in October/ November during raging fires that swept through the Garden Route.

The fire started on 24 October in Herold and spread to George and surrounding areas. Later another fire started in Karatara and several others where ignited by lightning.