|
|
|
|
|
14 February 2025
|
Cape Winelands firefighters contain fire in Du Toitskloof Pass
|
|
It was a busy night for firefighters in the Du Toitskloof Pass area where a fire broke out on Sunday, 9 February 2025. The Cape Winelands District Municipality said that strong wind fuelled the active fire lines but teams have been able to contain the fire. Fire vehicles and crew from the Paarl base, together with a ground team from NCC and choppers from Leading Edge Aviation and Provincial Disaster Management were deployed.
Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Jo-Anne Otto, said, “There was a flare-up during the early hours of the morning, which was managed quickly. Due to the wind, there are still a few smouldering hot spots that require constant attention. Teams will stay in the area for the day to continue with monitoring and mopping-up tasks.”
“Despite very strong wind and lush vegetation, ground teams, aided by aerial support from both Leading Edge Aviation and Provincial Disaster Management’s Black Hawk, were able to make good progress. Aerial resources were forced to stand down and return to their bases at sundown,” said Otto.
“Firefighting vehicles, crew and ground teams from NCC, Lewis Bush Clearing and Cape Nature will stay on the remaining line throughout the night to continue with active firefighting activities.
Update at 6h00am on Monday, 10 February 2025
“The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services can confirm that the fire in Du Toits Kloof Pass has been contained. The fire and ground crews had a very busy night as strong wind fuelled the active fire lines. Despite this, the ground teams from Cape Nature, NCC and Lewis Bush Clearing were able to bring the fire line under control. There was a flare-up during the early hours of the morning which was managed quickly. Due to the wind, there are still a few smouldering hot spots that require constant attention. Teams will stay in the area for the day to continue with monitoring and mopping-up tasks.”
“Although the old pass is open to traffic, motorists and heavy vehicles are advised to use the Huguenot Tunnel as fire fighting vehicles and crew will continue to move on the old pass road, which may have an impact on general traffic.”
Sources: Cape Winelands District Municipality
Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Jo-Anne Otto, said, “There was a flare-up during the early hours of the morning, which was managed quickly. Due to the wind, there are still a few smouldering hot spots that require constant attention. Teams will stay in the area for the day to continue with monitoring and mopping-up tasks.”
“Despite very strong wind and lush vegetation, ground teams, aided by aerial support from both Leading Edge Aviation and Provincial Disaster Management’s Black Hawk, were able to make good progress. Aerial resources were forced to stand down and return to their bases at sundown,” said Otto.
“Firefighting vehicles, crew and ground teams from NCC, Lewis Bush Clearing and Cape Nature will stay on the remaining line throughout the night to continue with active firefighting activities.
Update at 6h00am on Monday, 10 February 2025
“The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services can confirm that the fire in Du Toits Kloof Pass has been contained. The fire and ground crews had a very busy night as strong wind fuelled the active fire lines. Despite this, the ground teams from Cape Nature, NCC and Lewis Bush Clearing were able to bring the fire line under control. There was a flare-up during the early hours of the morning which was managed quickly. Due to the wind, there are still a few smouldering hot spots that require constant attention. Teams will stay in the area for the day to continue with monitoring and mopping-up tasks.”
“Although the old pass is open to traffic, motorists and heavy vehicles are advised to use the Huguenot Tunnel as fire fighting vehicles and crew will continue to move on the old pass road, which may have an impact on general traffic.”
Sources: Cape Winelands District Municipality
