|
|
|
|
|
28 February 2025
|
Cape Winelands firefighters battle multiple fires amidst high winds and heavy fuelloads; structures lost, firefighter injured
|
|
|
|
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services have had a busy period responding to multiple fires over the period from 18 to 28 February 2025. Three structures were damaged and a firefighter injured over this period. The fires burnt in several vegetation areas including crops, plantations, veld and in mountainous areas, some rather inaccessible. High temperatures, winds and heavy fuelloads played a major role in suppression strategies. Several municipalities, organisations and Western Cape Province assisted with resources including aerial resources.
The fires in the Witzenberg area started on 18 February 2025. The fire at Lateganskop just off the R43 between Worcester and Wolseley has been contained. Teams had to work hard against erratic winds and uneven terrain to gain ground. Teams will continue throughout the night to manage flare-ups and continue with monitoring and mopping up operations.
A second fire at Boontjiesrivier on the R46 outside Tulbagh was reported in the late afternoon. Teams from both the Cape Winelands District and Witzenberg Municipalities responded. Aerial resources from Leading Edge were diverted from Lateganskop and assisted ground teams from NCC in that area. Property protection was a priority and kept all teams busy. The choppers returned to their base at last light, however, wind is fuelling flare-ups. Teams will stay on in the area throughout the night.
A third fire in Bain’s Kloof was reported late this evening. Firefighters, vehicles and ground crew from NCC have been deployed. At this stage, reports are unclear due to limited reception. One CWDM fire reservist from CWDM required hospital treatment after sustaining injuries due to the rocky terrain at Lateganskop. He has been treated and released from the hospital.
All available resources have been deployed but conditions are very difficult. CapeNature has set up an Incident Command post in Antoniesvlei and Drakenstein Municipality has released further assistance.
Update on 19 February 2025 at 06h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services, together with partners CapeNature and Winelands FPA, spent a busy night engaged in active firefighting.
The fire that started on Oaklands farm above Wellington has been most problematic. Gale force winds and high fuel loads provided by eucalyptus plantations and other vegetation caused the fire to spread very quickly. The fire travelled down to the Slangrivier Road where it jumped and moved into the Bo-Hermon area.
Despite multiple crews, firefighting tankers, purpose-built Landcruisers and the support of local farmers and agricultural workers, two sheds and a home have been destroyed. Two cottages high on the mountainside were evacuated; however, fire services were able to protect these structures. Late last night, the Winelands FPA requested that landowners ensure that access gates, etc., are unlocked to ensure freedom of movement for fire services. Damages to crops have been reported; however, at this stage, it is difficult to establish the extent of damages.
The fire is not contained, and the wind continues to make matters difficult. Due to the weather conditions, choppers will not be able to fly until the wind subsides. As soon as it is fully light and the full scope of the situation can be established, plans for mitigation will be put in place.
The fire at Boontjiesrivier outside Wolseley has been contained; however, the teams were kept busy throughout the night and are currently engaged in controlling flare-ups, monitoring and mopping-up activities. The teams here were assisted by NCC and the Witzenberg Municipality’s Fire Services.
Other than our one firefighter who sustained injuries at Lateganskop, no further injuries have been reported.
A new fire has been reported in the Koue Bokkeveld; however, no further information is available at present.
Update on 19 February 2025 at 17h00
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services can confirm that active firefighting is continuing at the fire on the mountains above Wellington. Although the CWDM’s Fire Services report that good progress is being made, but that the fire the which continues to be fuelled by a combination of vegetation and wind, is still active. Due to the large area that has been burnt, teams divided the fire into separate sections, listed Divisions A which starts at Oaklands and Twyfeling farms up to an area called Division D, burning between the farms Fondelings and Vrugbaar. All the divisions still have active fire lines.
Some of the divisions are burning against the wind, while others are difficult to access due to the terrain. In other areas, teams are trying to suppress the fire line through the creation of firebreaks. There is currently no danger to structures, however, teams are monitoring areas very closely.
There are currently fire vehicles and crew from CWDM Fire Services, ground teams from NCC and Cape Nature. The Winelands FPA continues to coordinate activities with farmers in the area. Active fire suppression, management of flare-ups, monitoring and mopping up activities will continue throughout the night.
Update 20 February 2025 at 6h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services report that firefighting continues at the fire in Wellington. The firefighting crews, assisted by ground teams from NCC and CapeNature, had their hands full last night as they engaged in active firefighting on all the lines. The fire lines above Rooshoek and Oaklands farms caused a few problems in the night, however, teams were able to prevent damage to property.
At Foxenberg, landowners assisted in creating fire breaks to prevent the fire from moving down onto farmland. The wind subsided during the night, making for improved firefighting conditions. However, the fire continues to burn out of control. The weather services predict a change in the wind direction, which, together with the high temperatures, is cause for concern, as this increases the likelihood of flare-ups.
There are currently crews from NCC Wildfires, CapeNature and Drakenstein Municipality in attendance, while the Winelands Fire Protection Association continue to co-ordinate activities with the farmers.
Update on 21 February 2025 at 6h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services report that active firefighting is continuing for the fires in Wellington and another one in the Witzenberg Valley. The fire in the Witzenberg Valley started on Thursday morning in the upper slopes of the mountain on the Tulbagh side. Despite rapid reaction from CWDM, wind fuelled the fire over the top of the mountain and ultimately down into the Witzenberg Valley. It is currently burning into the farmland of the farms Wakkerstroom and Ouplaas. The team of three CWDM fire vehicles and crew and one ground team are currently engaged in active firefighting and crop protection.
As we enter day four of the fire in Wellington, teams report that they spent a frustrating night in very warm conditions. Late yesterday afternoon, the farmers in the area, together with the Winelands FPA, requested aerial resources. The Black Hawk was deployed and managed to douse some of the active flames. However, due to the exceptionally high fuel load in the area, the fire line flared up again, and ground teams returned to the line. A team from the Volunteer Wildfire Services joined resources yesterday with a dedicated vehicle and assisted during the night.
There are still active fire lines in all four active divisions. Some of these lines are inaccessible by vehicles, which means that ground teams are the only form of fire suppression. In areas where there is very old veld, the vegetation is very dense, and there is a lot of leftover dry timber from previous wood chopping, etc.
There are 10 vehicles and crew from the CWDM, assisted by two vehicles from Drakenstein Municipality, ground teams from NCC, Lewis Bush Clearing and Cape Nature’s contracted ground team, Working on Fire.
Update on Saturday, 22 February 2025 at 8h30am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services report that there has been good progress with containment in some areas, while in other areas flare-ups and dense vegetation have hampered firefighting efforts. Aerial resources were activated yesterday afternoon to assist ground teams with water bombing in difficult-to-reach areas. The CWDM’s contractors, Leading Edge Aviation’s two choppers, first assisted in Tulbagh and Witzenberg Valley, before flying to the Wellington side, where landowners in the Rooshoek area had funded the deployment of additional aerial resources administered via the Winelands Fire Protection Association.
In the Witzenberg Valley, situated on the Ceres side of the mountains, the fire line above Ouplaas has been contained. However, the line above the farm Wakkerstroom is burning high up in an area that is difficult to access due to the dense pine plantation, which causes very high flames. Ground teams are working in the areas where the fire line is accessible.
On the Tulbagh side of the mountain, crews report that the left side of the flank, above the Steindal area, has been fully contained and that there are no visible flames.
The fire line on the right flank above Schalkenbos is partly contained, with a broken fire line remaining. These lines are moving slowly through very old pine plantations and proteas, toward the foot of the mountain, where there is a gravel road. Teams are monitoring these lines carefully to ensure that there are fire vehicles and teams in areas where the fire meets the road and is easier to contain.
Ground teams from CapeNature, fire vehicles and crew from CWDM and contracted ground teams from Lewis Bush Clearing will be on the scenes today.
On the other side of Bain’s Kloof in Wellington, active firefighting enters the fifth day. Only two of the original four fire lines remain, the most problematic being the fire that continues to burn out of control in the Rooshoek area. The choppers assisted in this area, and although it initially appeared as if the fire was contained, a flare-up occurred later in the night that teams could not access due to the very dense vegetation and unkept terrain. At this stage, teams are damping down the fire lines as the fire spreads into more accessible areas.
This morning, CapeNature and CWDM vehicles and crews accessed areas via an old track and were able to suppress a flare-up in one of the old eucalyptus plantations above Welbedacht.
In the Bo-vlei area, teams continue to work the lines as the fire becomes accessible. Firefighting conditions are exacerbated by the fact that plantations have been allowed to grow wild and fire breaks have not been maintained.
CWDM’s fire vehicles and crews are assisted by ground teams and vehicles from CapeNature and Volunteer Wildfire Services.
Update on Sunday, 23 February 2025 at 8h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality's Fire Servives, together with resources from CapeNature and Witzenberg Municipality, have had a very challenging night fighting fires in difficult circumstances. In Wellington, the fire at Dunstone was contained by 19h30 while the Rooshoek fire was reported to be completely contained by 2h00 this morning. Teams will continue with monitoring and mopping-up in that area.
The situation at Oaklands is somewhat different. Late yesterday afternoon, the combination of wind and high fuel load drove the fire down the valley where it jumped a gravel road into an old eucalyptus plantation. Through consistent backburning, into around 4:00 this morning, teams were able to divert the fire from reaching horse stables and the protea plantation. Teams from CWDM and CapeNature successfully drove the fire back into the plantation, where it could burn itself out. The fire at Oaklands has no active flames this morning but the area is extremely hot, with a lot of smouldering coals and tree stumps. Teams are prepared for possible flare-ups.
In the top part of the valley at Doolhof, teams were able to protect a restaurant and thatch guesthouse. Monitoring and mopping up will continue throughout the day. Images: CWDM Firefighters: Hein Strumpher/Jacques Mouton
At the fires in the Witzenberg, the fire teams report that good progress has been made. Late yesterday afternoon, the teams in the Witzenberg Valley did a successful backburn. The right flank above Wakkerstroom is fully contained, while the left flank has a minor line that ground teams are working on at the moment. On the Ceres side, there is still a small line moving toward Fairfield farm and small spots high in the mountains. Teams will continue to work the fire where it is accessible.
In the mountain above Tulbagh, the fire line is still active but moving slowly down the mountain. A new Working on Fire, CapeNature’s contractors will take over in that area this morning and will perform backburns to stop the fire from spreading.
Update on Monday, 24 February 2025 at 6h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services can confirm that firefighting will continue in some areas today. CWDM’s firefighters and ground crews from CapeNature, have made excellent progress on the various fires in Wellington and Witzenberg. In Wellington, teams had their hands full late last night as a flare-up on Doolhof threatened property. Fire and ground crews were able to prevent any damages and the fire is now under control. Farmers in the area activated aerial resources administered via the Winelands Fire Protection Association late yesterday afternoon.
All fires in the Wellington area have been contained. However, the ground is still very hot in places, making monitoring and mopping-up a priority.
In Witzenberg, the various lines continue to smoulder and flare-up in some of the very high, inaccessible areas, while several lines are still burning actively.
Fire update: Witzenberg on 25 February 2025 at 06h00
Firefighters continue to fight several fires in the Witzenberg. The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services and partners, CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA), continue with active firefighting in the Witzenberg area. Today is day eight of active firefighting for teams in the Cape Winelands. While the fires in the Wellington area are now fully contained, work continues in the Witzenberg.
There are currently active lines running above the farms of Wakkerstroom above Ceres, Petervale above PA Hamlet, and two lines above Schalkenbosch above Tulbagh. Teams worked hard in the night; however, the combination of high fuel loads and a stiff breeze drove the fire faster than crews could keep up. Despite difficult conditions, teams managed to protect electricity pylons and a number of properties. There have been no injuries. Firefighting will continue on all lines today with monitoring and mopping-up in areas where possible. There is some concern that wind speed will increase, exacerbating already difficult conditions. The terrain is very uneven, offering few access points, from where crews can access the fire lines. Video footage: CWDM Firefighter: H Strumpher taken above Petervale.
Update on 26 February 2025 at 06h00
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services report that only two of the five fires in the Witzenberg are still active. The fire that originated at Lateganskop just before Bain’s Kloof late yesterday afternoon, was rapidly brought under control. Fire teams have contained the fire line that was moving toward the Witzenberg Valley and the pass was reopened last night. Teams were able to contain the line above the farm Schalkenbosch, however, the two lines above Landliebe and Boontjiesrivier situated in the mountains between Tulbagh and Mitchells pass are still active.
Monitoring and mopping-up will continue on all contained lines, while teams will continue to work the active lines as the fire becomes accessible.
The firefighters of the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services and partners Cape Nature together with all their contracted ground teams extend their thanks to the community of PA Hamlet and the Rocky River Spur in Ceres for their generous donations. The meals, drinks and other treats lifted the spirits of all involved!
Final Update: Witzenberg fire on 28 February 2025 at 15h00
Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services and partners CapeNature are relieved to announce that all fires in the Witzenberg have been fully contained. Fire Services and ground teams will continue with monitoring for the next few days. The Incident Command Bus will return to its base in Stellenbosch tomorrow.
Source: Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM)
The fires in the Witzenberg area started on 18 February 2025. The fire at Lateganskop just off the R43 between Worcester and Wolseley has been contained. Teams had to work hard against erratic winds and uneven terrain to gain ground. Teams will continue throughout the night to manage flare-ups and continue with monitoring and mopping up operations.
A second fire at Boontjiesrivier on the R46 outside Tulbagh was reported in the late afternoon. Teams from both the Cape Winelands District and Witzenberg Municipalities responded. Aerial resources from Leading Edge were diverted from Lateganskop and assisted ground teams from NCC in that area. Property protection was a priority and kept all teams busy. The choppers returned to their base at last light, however, wind is fuelling flare-ups. Teams will stay on in the area throughout the night.
A third fire in Bain’s Kloof was reported late this evening. Firefighters, vehicles and ground crew from NCC have been deployed. At this stage, reports are unclear due to limited reception. One CWDM fire reservist from CWDM required hospital treatment after sustaining injuries due to the rocky terrain at Lateganskop. He has been treated and released from the hospital.
All available resources have been deployed but conditions are very difficult. CapeNature has set up an Incident Command post in Antoniesvlei and Drakenstein Municipality has released further assistance.
Update on 19 February 2025 at 06h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services, together with partners CapeNature and Winelands FPA, spent a busy night engaged in active firefighting.
The fire that started on Oaklands farm above Wellington has been most problematic. Gale force winds and high fuel loads provided by eucalyptus plantations and other vegetation caused the fire to spread very quickly. The fire travelled down to the Slangrivier Road where it jumped and moved into the Bo-Hermon area.
Despite multiple crews, firefighting tankers, purpose-built Landcruisers and the support of local farmers and agricultural workers, two sheds and a home have been destroyed. Two cottages high on the mountainside were evacuated; however, fire services were able to protect these structures. Late last night, the Winelands FPA requested that landowners ensure that access gates, etc., are unlocked to ensure freedom of movement for fire services. Damages to crops have been reported; however, at this stage, it is difficult to establish the extent of damages.
The fire is not contained, and the wind continues to make matters difficult. Due to the weather conditions, choppers will not be able to fly until the wind subsides. As soon as it is fully light and the full scope of the situation can be established, plans for mitigation will be put in place.
The fire at Boontjiesrivier outside Wolseley has been contained; however, the teams were kept busy throughout the night and are currently engaged in controlling flare-ups, monitoring and mopping-up activities. The teams here were assisted by NCC and the Witzenberg Municipality’s Fire Services.
Other than our one firefighter who sustained injuries at Lateganskop, no further injuries have been reported.
A new fire has been reported in the Koue Bokkeveld; however, no further information is available at present.
Update on 19 February 2025 at 17h00
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services can confirm that active firefighting is continuing at the fire on the mountains above Wellington. Although the CWDM’s Fire Services report that good progress is being made, but that the fire the which continues to be fuelled by a combination of vegetation and wind, is still active. Due to the large area that has been burnt, teams divided the fire into separate sections, listed Divisions A which starts at Oaklands and Twyfeling farms up to an area called Division D, burning between the farms Fondelings and Vrugbaar. All the divisions still have active fire lines.
Some of the divisions are burning against the wind, while others are difficult to access due to the terrain. In other areas, teams are trying to suppress the fire line through the creation of firebreaks. There is currently no danger to structures, however, teams are monitoring areas very closely.
There are currently fire vehicles and crew from CWDM Fire Services, ground teams from NCC and Cape Nature. The Winelands FPA continues to coordinate activities with farmers in the area. Active fire suppression, management of flare-ups, monitoring and mopping up activities will continue throughout the night.
Update 20 February 2025 at 6h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services report that firefighting continues at the fire in Wellington. The firefighting crews, assisted by ground teams from NCC and CapeNature, had their hands full last night as they engaged in active firefighting on all the lines. The fire lines above Rooshoek and Oaklands farms caused a few problems in the night, however, teams were able to prevent damage to property.
At Foxenberg, landowners assisted in creating fire breaks to prevent the fire from moving down onto farmland. The wind subsided during the night, making for improved firefighting conditions. However, the fire continues to burn out of control. The weather services predict a change in the wind direction, which, together with the high temperatures, is cause for concern, as this increases the likelihood of flare-ups.
There are currently crews from NCC Wildfires, CapeNature and Drakenstein Municipality in attendance, while the Winelands Fire Protection Association continue to co-ordinate activities with the farmers.
Update on 21 February 2025 at 6h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services report that active firefighting is continuing for the fires in Wellington and another one in the Witzenberg Valley. The fire in the Witzenberg Valley started on Thursday morning in the upper slopes of the mountain on the Tulbagh side. Despite rapid reaction from CWDM, wind fuelled the fire over the top of the mountain and ultimately down into the Witzenberg Valley. It is currently burning into the farmland of the farms Wakkerstroom and Ouplaas. The team of three CWDM fire vehicles and crew and one ground team are currently engaged in active firefighting and crop protection.
As we enter day four of the fire in Wellington, teams report that they spent a frustrating night in very warm conditions. Late yesterday afternoon, the farmers in the area, together with the Winelands FPA, requested aerial resources. The Black Hawk was deployed and managed to douse some of the active flames. However, due to the exceptionally high fuel load in the area, the fire line flared up again, and ground teams returned to the line. A team from the Volunteer Wildfire Services joined resources yesterday with a dedicated vehicle and assisted during the night.
There are still active fire lines in all four active divisions. Some of these lines are inaccessible by vehicles, which means that ground teams are the only form of fire suppression. In areas where there is very old veld, the vegetation is very dense, and there is a lot of leftover dry timber from previous wood chopping, etc.
There are 10 vehicles and crew from the CWDM, assisted by two vehicles from Drakenstein Municipality, ground teams from NCC, Lewis Bush Clearing and Cape Nature’s contracted ground team, Working on Fire.
Update on Saturday, 22 February 2025 at 8h30am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services report that there has been good progress with containment in some areas, while in other areas flare-ups and dense vegetation have hampered firefighting efforts. Aerial resources were activated yesterday afternoon to assist ground teams with water bombing in difficult-to-reach areas. The CWDM’s contractors, Leading Edge Aviation’s two choppers, first assisted in Tulbagh and Witzenberg Valley, before flying to the Wellington side, where landowners in the Rooshoek area had funded the deployment of additional aerial resources administered via the Winelands Fire Protection Association.
In the Witzenberg Valley, situated on the Ceres side of the mountains, the fire line above Ouplaas has been contained. However, the line above the farm Wakkerstroom is burning high up in an area that is difficult to access due to the dense pine plantation, which causes very high flames. Ground teams are working in the areas where the fire line is accessible.
On the Tulbagh side of the mountain, crews report that the left side of the flank, above the Steindal area, has been fully contained and that there are no visible flames.
The fire line on the right flank above Schalkenbos is partly contained, with a broken fire line remaining. These lines are moving slowly through very old pine plantations and proteas, toward the foot of the mountain, where there is a gravel road. Teams are monitoring these lines carefully to ensure that there are fire vehicles and teams in areas where the fire meets the road and is easier to contain.
Ground teams from CapeNature, fire vehicles and crew from CWDM and contracted ground teams from Lewis Bush Clearing will be on the scenes today.
On the other side of Bain’s Kloof in Wellington, active firefighting enters the fifth day. Only two of the original four fire lines remain, the most problematic being the fire that continues to burn out of control in the Rooshoek area. The choppers assisted in this area, and although it initially appeared as if the fire was contained, a flare-up occurred later in the night that teams could not access due to the very dense vegetation and unkept terrain. At this stage, teams are damping down the fire lines as the fire spreads into more accessible areas.
This morning, CapeNature and CWDM vehicles and crews accessed areas via an old track and were able to suppress a flare-up in one of the old eucalyptus plantations above Welbedacht.
In the Bo-vlei area, teams continue to work the lines as the fire becomes accessible. Firefighting conditions are exacerbated by the fact that plantations have been allowed to grow wild and fire breaks have not been maintained.
CWDM’s fire vehicles and crews are assisted by ground teams and vehicles from CapeNature and Volunteer Wildfire Services.
Update on Sunday, 23 February 2025 at 8h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality's Fire Servives, together with resources from CapeNature and Witzenberg Municipality, have had a very challenging night fighting fires in difficult circumstances. In Wellington, the fire at Dunstone was contained by 19h30 while the Rooshoek fire was reported to be completely contained by 2h00 this morning. Teams will continue with monitoring and mopping-up in that area.
The situation at Oaklands is somewhat different. Late yesterday afternoon, the combination of wind and high fuel load drove the fire down the valley where it jumped a gravel road into an old eucalyptus plantation. Through consistent backburning, into around 4:00 this morning, teams were able to divert the fire from reaching horse stables and the protea plantation. Teams from CWDM and CapeNature successfully drove the fire back into the plantation, where it could burn itself out. The fire at Oaklands has no active flames this morning but the area is extremely hot, with a lot of smouldering coals and tree stumps. Teams are prepared for possible flare-ups.
In the top part of the valley at Doolhof, teams were able to protect a restaurant and thatch guesthouse. Monitoring and mopping up will continue throughout the day. Images: CWDM Firefighters: Hein Strumpher/Jacques Mouton
At the fires in the Witzenberg, the fire teams report that good progress has been made. Late yesterday afternoon, the teams in the Witzenberg Valley did a successful backburn. The right flank above Wakkerstroom is fully contained, while the left flank has a minor line that ground teams are working on at the moment. On the Ceres side, there is still a small line moving toward Fairfield farm and small spots high in the mountains. Teams will continue to work the fire where it is accessible.
In the mountain above Tulbagh, the fire line is still active but moving slowly down the mountain. A new Working on Fire, CapeNature’s contractors will take over in that area this morning and will perform backburns to stop the fire from spreading.
Update on Monday, 24 February 2025 at 6h00am
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services can confirm that firefighting will continue in some areas today. CWDM’s firefighters and ground crews from CapeNature, have made excellent progress on the various fires in Wellington and Witzenberg. In Wellington, teams had their hands full late last night as a flare-up on Doolhof threatened property. Fire and ground crews were able to prevent any damages and the fire is now under control. Farmers in the area activated aerial resources administered via the Winelands Fire Protection Association late yesterday afternoon.
All fires in the Wellington area have been contained. However, the ground is still very hot in places, making monitoring and mopping-up a priority.
In Witzenberg, the various lines continue to smoulder and flare-up in some of the very high, inaccessible areas, while several lines are still burning actively.
Fire update: Witzenberg on 25 February 2025 at 06h00
Firefighters continue to fight several fires in the Witzenberg. The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services and partners, CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA), continue with active firefighting in the Witzenberg area. Today is day eight of active firefighting for teams in the Cape Winelands. While the fires in the Wellington area are now fully contained, work continues in the Witzenberg.
There are currently active lines running above the farms of Wakkerstroom above Ceres, Petervale above PA Hamlet, and two lines above Schalkenbosch above Tulbagh. Teams worked hard in the night; however, the combination of high fuel loads and a stiff breeze drove the fire faster than crews could keep up. Despite difficult conditions, teams managed to protect electricity pylons and a number of properties. There have been no injuries. Firefighting will continue on all lines today with monitoring and mopping-up in areas where possible. There is some concern that wind speed will increase, exacerbating already difficult conditions. The terrain is very uneven, offering few access points, from where crews can access the fire lines. Video footage: CWDM Firefighter: H Strumpher taken above Petervale.
Update on 26 February 2025 at 06h00
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services report that only two of the five fires in the Witzenberg are still active. The fire that originated at Lateganskop just before Bain’s Kloof late yesterday afternoon, was rapidly brought under control. Fire teams have contained the fire line that was moving toward the Witzenberg Valley and the pass was reopened last night. Teams were able to contain the line above the farm Schalkenbosch, however, the two lines above Landliebe and Boontjiesrivier situated in the mountains between Tulbagh and Mitchells pass are still active.
Monitoring and mopping-up will continue on all contained lines, while teams will continue to work the active lines as the fire becomes accessible.
The firefighters of the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services and partners Cape Nature together with all their contracted ground teams extend their thanks to the community of PA Hamlet and the Rocky River Spur in Ceres for their generous donations. The meals, drinks and other treats lifted the spirits of all involved!
Final Update: Witzenberg fire on 28 February 2025 at 15h00
Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services and partners CapeNature are relieved to announce that all fires in the Witzenberg have been fully contained. Fire Services and ground teams will continue with monitoring for the next few days. The Incident Command Bus will return to its base in Stellenbosch tomorrow.
Source: Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM)
