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Strong windy conditions challenge resources during Sir Lowry's Pass wildfire, Cape Town
A wildfire broke out at Sir Lowry's Pass on Wednesday, 16 March 2022, in Cape Town. Various agencies responded including City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, Winelands Fire Protection Association and CapeNature. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, said, “The City’s Fire and Rescue Service received a call on 16 March 2022 at 14h26 of a vegetation fire at Sir Lowry’s Pass. The first officer on scene was station commander Leroy Cloete and divisional commander Anthony Manuel. Our resources included crews with fire engines and water tankers from Strand, Mitchell’s Plain and Ottery fire stations, fire engines and crews from Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, Kraaifontein, Macassar and Kuils River fire stations, water tankers and crews from Goodwood, Roeland Street and Belhar fire stations and seasonal fire fighters from Bellville. Two helicopters assisted with water bombing.” Winelands Fire Protection Association reported that Quick Reaction Force (QRF) helicopters were deployed, including the Black Hawk. “Very extreme wind conditions were experienced and were measured gusting up to 100km/h, causing the fire to spread erratically in the general direction of Gordon's Bay. Initially, only the QRF helicopters were on scene, together with ground vehicles from City of Cape Town Fire Services.”
Carelse said that fire fighting operations containment and preventing the fire from “jumping” over the N2 was hampered by strong winds. And the challenges faced included the slope of the terrain. Winelands Fire Protection Association added that despite the dangerous weather conditions the pilots of the QRF helicopters, diligently attacked the fire line, until it was 90 percent contained. “CapeNature extended the QRF Team for an extra hour, as well as dispatched the Blackhawk, to assist with the last section of the fire. By the time all the aircraft stood down, the fire had been 100 percent contained. Mopping operations continued by the City of Cape Town Fire Services and CapeNature.” “The entire aerial operation was controlled by the QRF Airboss Dale Nortje of the Winelands Fire Protection Association. Thank you to Final Approach Aviation Final Approach Aviation for most of the photos.” Sources: Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service and Winelands Fire Protection Association |
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