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7 November 2025
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Overberg crews respond to Bredasdorp and Napier wildfires; two firefighters injured when fire truck rolls
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A major fire broke out in Bredasdorp mid-morning in dense alien vegetation with strong windy conditions on Friday, 7 November 2025. The fire then spread across the R316 and the head of the fire reach the top of the mountain. It is believed that the fire was caused by malicious ignitions by children. In support of the Overberg District firefighters, various organisations responded including Cape Agulhas Municipality, WOF-Kishugu JV, NCC Wildfire Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), Overberg Wildfire Volunteers and the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association. A large fire truck from the Bredasdorp Fire Station was involved in an incident on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, rolling down an embankment while responding to the ongoing veldfire. Two firefighters were injured and were transported to the local hospital for medical care.
The firefighters involved in the fire truck incident, Firefighter Conradie and Firefighter Nyentell are both recovering well. Firefighter Conradie sustained a foot injury and was discharged to continue recovery before rejoining his team. Firefighter Nyentell was not admitted and received a follow-up check-up the following morning.
The fire truck (B7) was recovered and sent for repair.
The following includes the incident reports:
Day 6 (feels like 60)
GoFPA update 11h30, 13/11/2025
Although the Napier Bredasdorp side of the mountain (north) was contained two days ago, the battle on the south side of the mountain (Boskloof Road) and the head of fire continued unabated. The threats to agricultural lands and infrastructure and risk of significant spread across a much larger landscape have been ongoing from day one. Today, significant smoke can be expected in the area. Effort and lots of sweat have been put into the last three days to stop the fire lines within a large alien plant plantation but have not been successful. Burning operations started last night and will take most of today to complete safely. THANK YOU for all the support from near and afar.
Flare-ups on the other lines are still a threat and are being attended to by landowners. We are very pleased that B7 (large fire truck from Bredasdorp Overberg District Municipality Fire was recovered early this morning. The urgency of this recovery is due to the risk of fire (to the truck) and repair of truck. Fire season is here and that truck needs be back online ASAP. Thank you to the recovery team. Again, thank you for all the donations we received. This makes a big difference to the firefighters on the lines. That extra cold drinks or snacks add so much value to them feeling appreciated.
Bredasdorp Veldfire – Day 6 Update 12.11.2025
Status: The fire is currently 90% contained, with some areas still smouldering and posing a potential risk of flare-ups. The majority of firefighting efforts are concentrated on the southern side of the mountain. Ground teams from Working on Fire have been deployed to assist with mop-up operations and ongoing fire suppression. We extend our sincere thanks to all crews for their tireless efforts, especially for going the extra mile during yesterday’s challenging conditions.
We are pleased to report that the two Overberg District firefighters involved in yesterday’s fire truck incident are both recovering well. Firefighter Conradie sustained a foot injury and will be discharged tomorrow to continue recovery before rejoining his team. Firefighter Nyentell was not admitted and received a follow-up check-up this morning.
Today, we would also like to acknowledge the dedicated support staff working behind the scenes to keep operations running smoothly. A heartfelt thank you to the many local businesses and organisations that have supported our teams , in particular @Checkers6060 and @Gift of the Givers for their continued generosity and assistance.
Issued by Richard Bosman, Municipal Manager, Overberg District Municipality
Bredasdorp VeldFire Day 5 #2 18h30
We have managed to subdue the beast but it keeps fighting. We are busy closing a large alien plant forest on the farm Toekomst, Boskloof rd. Due to the large amount of fuel and the predicted wind change, this area will require a few days of work to ensure it is completely safe. This is the main remaining part of the fire. The support with the recovery of B7, the large fire truck from Bredasdorp, is ongoing. We want to express our gratitude to all who are helping to ensure that the truck does not burn out.
Fire truck incident during Bredasdorp veldfire response 11/11/2025
The Overberg District Municipality regrets to report that one of our large fire trucks from the Bredasdorp Fire Station was involved in an incident earlier this afternoon, rolling down an embankment while responding to the ongoing veldfire.
Two firefighters were injured and have been transported to the local hospital for medical care. We ask that the community keep them in their thoughts as they recover. This has been a challenging and intense fire to contain, but our teams continue their efforts to bring it fully under control.
The Overberg District Municipality extends heartfelt appreciation to all firefighters, volunteers and partners for their unwavering dedication and teamwork under difficult conditions. Issued by R Bosman, Municipal Manager, Overberg District Municipality.
Bredasdorp Veldfire Day 4 #2 IC update
Status of the fire: 80% contained and 20% not closed up yet (no running lines). Estimated burnt area: 6 700ha. Perimeter 53km, 50km perimeter contained. Vegetation type that burnt was Fynbos (30 years old) and alien plants (Pine, Myrtle, Port Jackson and limited Gum trees). Our efforts to prevent young veld from burning was not always successful but limited. Today we experienced challenges during the day with the fire breaking containment, although through team efforts all these lines were brought back under control. By 20h00 all the lines on the northern side were contained.
On the southern side strategic back burns were successful and the remaining few lines will be dealt with tomorrow.
This summary does not reflect the effort, energy and stress experienced today (again). We can report that no structures (homes) were lost in this fire. There was damage to communication and Eskom infrastructure on the Napier Mountain. Not all heroes wear capes!
We can confirm that the Vierfontein homestead and venue have not been destroyed. Mr Leon Schreiber’s home is unscathed.
Resources: Overberg District Municipality, Cape Agulhas Municipality, WOF-Kishugu JV, NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Overberg Wildfire Volunteers
Community and Farmer associations: Cape Agulhas Municipality, Caledon FM, Suidernuus/Southern Post and Suiderpers, Agri Wes-Kaap, Heart FM, CapeTalk, Western Cape Government
Bredasdorp VeldFire Day 3 #2 9 November 2025, 14h00 Incident Commander update
This is the spike-hour update. This fire is not contained yet, with long and very active fire lines moving down onto the farmlands. On the Northern side of the Mountain - Bredasdorp, Napier - area the farmers, with support from Overberg District Municipality Fire, are working hard to lessen the impact of the mountain lines. The next few hours will test their strength and resilience.
The active fire line high up on the Napier Mountain is currently contained. Overberg District Municipality Fire, farmers and a Volunteer Wildfire Services team will be busy till late night. Kudos to the #VWS team that stayed over at the Fire Station to assist us today.
A fresh NCC Wildfires team has been deployed on the Napier Mountain. Their objective is to ensure that no fire from move to Napier Town area.
The South side of the mountain - "Grashoek" managed to contain the majority of their high-risk lines. With the predicted wind change, they will contain all the remaining hot lines. Kudos to the farmers, under leadership of Pieter du Toit, supporting the Overberg District Municipality Fire Services.
We want to use this opportunity to acknowledge our community for the support and donations. The support received from the larger landscape farmers and businesses are overwhelming.
The WOF-Kishugu JV ground teams will be joining us tomorrow again but the support during the first day are acknowledged. Thank you to the team from Agulhas Park for lending a hand today.
From national retailers - Checkers, My SPAR & Spur Steak Ranches - to our own local Bredasdorp Schools Netbal club, #Packtown, Gift of the Givers (Mario&kie), @Crystal Water, the Bredasdorp and Napier "Sandwich Making Clubs, the local tyre shops to mention a few. Special acknowledgment to Cape Agulhas Municipality for their support.
Cape Agulhas Municipality Fire Update: 10h30 | Greater Overberg FPA, Napier Mountain: Report from Louise Wessels
Yesterday, teams made good progress stopping the fireline along the FM Tower Road. Unfortunately, by early evening the fire managed to jump a section of the road. This morning, fresh teams with bakkie sakkies and fire service vehicles are working hard to contain the area that was affected. We are thankful that it did not spread too widely.
There is also a fireline higher up in the mountain between Bredasdorp, Napier and the farmlands. Overnight, there was limited success with attempts to burn from the farmlands up toward the fireline.
This morning, a controlled burn is taking place from just after Vierfontein, at the foot of the mountains above the farmlands, towards Bredasdorp. This is being done to prevent the fireline from moving downhill tomorrow when the wind is expected to change direction.
At present, all lines above Napier are contained and pose no risk to the town. A big thank you to the community for their ongoing support and encouragement.
Update: Bredasdorp Mountain Fire: 8 November 2025; Time: 9h30
ODM firefighters, landowners and Working on Fire teams continue operations on the mountain ranges surrounding Bredasdorp, where approximately 1 200 hectares have burnt across the Heuningberg, Soetmuisberg and Napier mountains
The fire, which began early yesterday morning near the Heuningberg Golf Course and Development area, is suspected to have been started maliciously. Over the past 24 hours, crews have prioritised protecting the town of Bredasdorp. All containment lines above the town are currently holding, and fresh teams have been deployed to strengthen firebreaks and manage remaining active lines toward Napier. Importantly, no injuries, fatalities, or serious damage to property or infrastructure have been reported.
#Bredasdorp #Veldfire Day 2 #1 11h00
Status: 15% contained. The mountain above Bredasdorp town has safely burnt-out last night. Thank you to all the fire fighters, support crews, farmers, Cape Agulhas municipaliy and the local community for their support. We confirm that no evacuations were ordered last night. If any people did evacuate, it was voluntary. Otto du Plessis Hospital was not evacuated.
A midnight recce also confirmed the Airforce Radar System has "survived" the storm. Damage assessment is now underway.
As per our previous updates the fire lines are in the mountains on both the North and South side. The base of the fire (Golf club and Shooting range) is still active. All 95% containment lines above town are out and the 5% are holding. Resource deployment is focused on managing the remaining active lines towards Napier.
Our objectives for today:
- Keep all affected landowners and communities informed of the risks and efforts to protect them and theiresponsibilities/efforts to assist us to best protect them.
- Leadership and resources placed.
- Mopping up continuous.
See attached map of the current fire line.
Bredasdorp VeldFire Day 1 #3; IC update 23h00
Status: Out of control. Total of 1 200ha burnt. Area: Bredasdorp, Overberg District. Heuningberg Mountain and Soetmuisberg Mountain and Napier Mountain range. To recap, this fire started early this morning on the Golf course, Heuningberg Development area. The ignition was confirmed as malicious.
Due to dense vegetation, inaccessible areas (safety concerns) and very dry veld conditions the fire quickly reached the mountain. The priority to protect the town first and extreme fire behaviour prevented direct attack in the mountain and the decision was made, with the landowners to let the mountain burn till it reaches a safe place to stop the fire.
The strategy for the past 18 hours was to ensure the safety of the Bredasdorp town. These efforts included a large burn out from above the homes, at the foot of the mountain. It was a very stressful time for the residents, and we were all relieved that this burn was successfully completed.
The Airforce deployed an Oryx Helicopter to assist with the protection of the radar system in the mountain. The farmers/landowners from Bredasdorp to Napier (East of mountain) and the farmers/landowners from the Grashoek area have been preparing and are ready to guide the fire on the farmlands when it moves down from the mountains. This will be a mammoth effort. Due to the terrain, infrastructure, agricultural lands at risk and the continuation of the forecasted strong Easterly winds.
Resources:
Leadership and Fire Services: Overberg District Municipality
#goFPA
Cape Agulhas Municipality
WOF-Kishugu JV ground teams
NCC Wildfires ground team
Volunteer Wildfire Services ground teams
OTB/Denel
South African National Airforce
Donations received from residents and various local business to name a few Spar, Checkers, Woolies and many more. Thx U.
7 November 2025 15h 00: IC update
Status: Still out of control. The fire passed the town high-up in the mountain. Preparation is ongoing for the other areas. Communication networks are compromised.
Bredasdorp 07/11/2025 13h00
Location: Golf course at the east end of the Bredasdorp Town. Now burning on the Heuningberg Mountain above the town. This fire started mid-morning - malicious ignitions by children - in dense alien vegetation with strong windy conditions. The fire has spread across the R316 and the head of the fire reach the top of the mountain.
Immediate objectives:
- Protect the town of Bredasdorp - below the Heuningberg. Firebreaks have been made in prep for the Fire Season.
- All farms along the foot of north of the Heuningberg - from Bredasdorp to the Napier Mountain are preparing to protect their properties and to assist with the suppression of the fire.
- Containing the base of the fire (where it started). If not, the fire will restart again and again.
Cape Agulhas Municipality law enforcement will assist the town members.
Sources: Overberg District Municipality, Greater Overberg FPA
The firefighters involved in the fire truck incident, Firefighter Conradie and Firefighter Nyentell are both recovering well. Firefighter Conradie sustained a foot injury and was discharged to continue recovery before rejoining his team. Firefighter Nyentell was not admitted and received a follow-up check-up the following morning.
The fire truck (B7) was recovered and sent for repair.
The following includes the incident reports:
Day 6 (feels like 60)
GoFPA update 11h30, 13/11/2025
Although the Napier Bredasdorp side of the mountain (north) was contained two days ago, the battle on the south side of the mountain (Boskloof Road) and the head of fire continued unabated. The threats to agricultural lands and infrastructure and risk of significant spread across a much larger landscape have been ongoing from day one. Today, significant smoke can be expected in the area. Effort and lots of sweat have been put into the last three days to stop the fire lines within a large alien plant plantation but have not been successful. Burning operations started last night and will take most of today to complete safely. THANK YOU for all the support from near and afar.
Flare-ups on the other lines are still a threat and are being attended to by landowners. We are very pleased that B7 (large fire truck from Bredasdorp Overberg District Municipality Fire was recovered early this morning. The urgency of this recovery is due to the risk of fire (to the truck) and repair of truck. Fire season is here and that truck needs be back online ASAP. Thank you to the recovery team. Again, thank you for all the donations we received. This makes a big difference to the firefighters on the lines. That extra cold drinks or snacks add so much value to them feeling appreciated.
Bredasdorp Veldfire – Day 6 Update 12.11.2025
Status: The fire is currently 90% contained, with some areas still smouldering and posing a potential risk of flare-ups. The majority of firefighting efforts are concentrated on the southern side of the mountain. Ground teams from Working on Fire have been deployed to assist with mop-up operations and ongoing fire suppression. We extend our sincere thanks to all crews for their tireless efforts, especially for going the extra mile during yesterday’s challenging conditions.
We are pleased to report that the two Overberg District firefighters involved in yesterday’s fire truck incident are both recovering well. Firefighter Conradie sustained a foot injury and will be discharged tomorrow to continue recovery before rejoining his team. Firefighter Nyentell was not admitted and received a follow-up check-up this morning.
Today, we would also like to acknowledge the dedicated support staff working behind the scenes to keep operations running smoothly. A heartfelt thank you to the many local businesses and organisations that have supported our teams , in particular @Checkers6060 and @Gift of the Givers for their continued generosity and assistance.
Issued by Richard Bosman, Municipal Manager, Overberg District Municipality
Bredasdorp VeldFire Day 5 #2 18h30
We have managed to subdue the beast but it keeps fighting. We are busy closing a large alien plant forest on the farm Toekomst, Boskloof rd. Due to the large amount of fuel and the predicted wind change, this area will require a few days of work to ensure it is completely safe. This is the main remaining part of the fire. The support with the recovery of B7, the large fire truck from Bredasdorp, is ongoing. We want to express our gratitude to all who are helping to ensure that the truck does not burn out.
Fire truck incident during Bredasdorp veldfire response 11/11/2025
The Overberg District Municipality regrets to report that one of our large fire trucks from the Bredasdorp Fire Station was involved in an incident earlier this afternoon, rolling down an embankment while responding to the ongoing veldfire.
Two firefighters were injured and have been transported to the local hospital for medical care. We ask that the community keep them in their thoughts as they recover. This has been a challenging and intense fire to contain, but our teams continue their efforts to bring it fully under control.
The Overberg District Municipality extends heartfelt appreciation to all firefighters, volunteers and partners for their unwavering dedication and teamwork under difficult conditions. Issued by R Bosman, Municipal Manager, Overberg District Municipality.
Bredasdorp Veldfire Day 4 #2 IC update
Status of the fire: 80% contained and 20% not closed up yet (no running lines). Estimated burnt area: 6 700ha. Perimeter 53km, 50km perimeter contained. Vegetation type that burnt was Fynbos (30 years old) and alien plants (Pine, Myrtle, Port Jackson and limited Gum trees). Our efforts to prevent young veld from burning was not always successful but limited. Today we experienced challenges during the day with the fire breaking containment, although through team efforts all these lines were brought back under control. By 20h00 all the lines on the northern side were contained.
On the southern side strategic back burns were successful and the remaining few lines will be dealt with tomorrow.
This summary does not reflect the effort, energy and stress experienced today (again). We can report that no structures (homes) were lost in this fire. There was damage to communication and Eskom infrastructure on the Napier Mountain. Not all heroes wear capes!
We can confirm that the Vierfontein homestead and venue have not been destroyed. Mr Leon Schreiber’s home is unscathed.
Resources: Overberg District Municipality, Cape Agulhas Municipality, WOF-Kishugu JV, NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Overberg Wildfire Volunteers
Community and Farmer associations: Cape Agulhas Municipality, Caledon FM, Suidernuus/Southern Post and Suiderpers, Agri Wes-Kaap, Heart FM, CapeTalk, Western Cape Government
Bredasdorp VeldFire Day 3 #2 9 November 2025, 14h00 Incident Commander update
This is the spike-hour update. This fire is not contained yet, with long and very active fire lines moving down onto the farmlands. On the Northern side of the Mountain - Bredasdorp, Napier - area the farmers, with support from Overberg District Municipality Fire, are working hard to lessen the impact of the mountain lines. The next few hours will test their strength and resilience.
The active fire line high up on the Napier Mountain is currently contained. Overberg District Municipality Fire, farmers and a Volunteer Wildfire Services team will be busy till late night. Kudos to the #VWS team that stayed over at the Fire Station to assist us today.
A fresh NCC Wildfires team has been deployed on the Napier Mountain. Their objective is to ensure that no fire from move to Napier Town area.
The South side of the mountain - "Grashoek" managed to contain the majority of their high-risk lines. With the predicted wind change, they will contain all the remaining hot lines. Kudos to the farmers, under leadership of Pieter du Toit, supporting the Overberg District Municipality Fire Services.
We want to use this opportunity to acknowledge our community for the support and donations. The support received from the larger landscape farmers and businesses are overwhelming.
The WOF-Kishugu JV ground teams will be joining us tomorrow again but the support during the first day are acknowledged. Thank you to the team from Agulhas Park for lending a hand today.
From national retailers - Checkers, My SPAR & Spur Steak Ranches - to our own local Bredasdorp Schools Netbal club, #Packtown, Gift of the Givers (Mario&kie), @Crystal Water, the Bredasdorp and Napier "Sandwich Making Clubs, the local tyre shops to mention a few. Special acknowledgment to Cape Agulhas Municipality for their support.
Cape Agulhas Municipality Fire Update: 10h30 | Greater Overberg FPA, Napier Mountain: Report from Louise Wessels
Yesterday, teams made good progress stopping the fireline along the FM Tower Road. Unfortunately, by early evening the fire managed to jump a section of the road. This morning, fresh teams with bakkie sakkies and fire service vehicles are working hard to contain the area that was affected. We are thankful that it did not spread too widely.
There is also a fireline higher up in the mountain between Bredasdorp, Napier and the farmlands. Overnight, there was limited success with attempts to burn from the farmlands up toward the fireline.
This morning, a controlled burn is taking place from just after Vierfontein, at the foot of the mountains above the farmlands, towards Bredasdorp. This is being done to prevent the fireline from moving downhill tomorrow when the wind is expected to change direction.
At present, all lines above Napier are contained and pose no risk to the town. A big thank you to the community for their ongoing support and encouragement.
Update: Bredasdorp Mountain Fire: 8 November 2025; Time: 9h30
ODM firefighters, landowners and Working on Fire teams continue operations on the mountain ranges surrounding Bredasdorp, where approximately 1 200 hectares have burnt across the Heuningberg, Soetmuisberg and Napier mountains
The fire, which began early yesterday morning near the Heuningberg Golf Course and Development area, is suspected to have been started maliciously. Over the past 24 hours, crews have prioritised protecting the town of Bredasdorp. All containment lines above the town are currently holding, and fresh teams have been deployed to strengthen firebreaks and manage remaining active lines toward Napier. Importantly, no injuries, fatalities, or serious damage to property or infrastructure have been reported.
#Bredasdorp #Veldfire Day 2 #1 11h00
Status: 15% contained. The mountain above Bredasdorp town has safely burnt-out last night. Thank you to all the fire fighters, support crews, farmers, Cape Agulhas municipaliy and the local community for their support. We confirm that no evacuations were ordered last night. If any people did evacuate, it was voluntary. Otto du Plessis Hospital was not evacuated.
A midnight recce also confirmed the Airforce Radar System has "survived" the storm. Damage assessment is now underway.
As per our previous updates the fire lines are in the mountains on both the North and South side. The base of the fire (Golf club and Shooting range) is still active. All 95% containment lines above town are out and the 5% are holding. Resource deployment is focused on managing the remaining active lines towards Napier.
Our objectives for today:
- Keep all affected landowners and communities informed of the risks and efforts to protect them and theiresponsibilities/efforts to assist us to best protect them.
- Leadership and resources placed.
- Mopping up continuous.
See attached map of the current fire line.
Bredasdorp VeldFire Day 1 #3; IC update 23h00
Status: Out of control. Total of 1 200ha burnt. Area: Bredasdorp, Overberg District. Heuningberg Mountain and Soetmuisberg Mountain and Napier Mountain range. To recap, this fire started early this morning on the Golf course, Heuningberg Development area. The ignition was confirmed as malicious.
Due to dense vegetation, inaccessible areas (safety concerns) and very dry veld conditions the fire quickly reached the mountain. The priority to protect the town first and extreme fire behaviour prevented direct attack in the mountain and the decision was made, with the landowners to let the mountain burn till it reaches a safe place to stop the fire.
The strategy for the past 18 hours was to ensure the safety of the Bredasdorp town. These efforts included a large burn out from above the homes, at the foot of the mountain. It was a very stressful time for the residents, and we were all relieved that this burn was successfully completed.
The Airforce deployed an Oryx Helicopter to assist with the protection of the radar system in the mountain. The farmers/landowners from Bredasdorp to Napier (East of mountain) and the farmers/landowners from the Grashoek area have been preparing and are ready to guide the fire on the farmlands when it moves down from the mountains. This will be a mammoth effort. Due to the terrain, infrastructure, agricultural lands at risk and the continuation of the forecasted strong Easterly winds.
Resources:
Leadership and Fire Services: Overberg District Municipality
#goFPA
Cape Agulhas Municipality
WOF-Kishugu JV ground teams
NCC Wildfires ground team
Volunteer Wildfire Services ground teams
OTB/Denel
South African National Airforce
Donations received from residents and various local business to name a few Spar, Checkers, Woolies and many more. Thx U.
7 November 2025 15h 00: IC update
Status: Still out of control. The fire passed the town high-up in the mountain. Preparation is ongoing for the other areas. Communication networks are compromised.
Bredasdorp 07/11/2025 13h00
Location: Golf course at the east end of the Bredasdorp Town. Now burning on the Heuningberg Mountain above the town. This fire started mid-morning - malicious ignitions by children - in dense alien vegetation with strong windy conditions. The fire has spread across the R316 and the head of the fire reach the top of the mountain.
Immediate objectives:
- Protect the town of Bredasdorp - below the Heuningberg. Firebreaks have been made in prep for the Fire Season.
- All farms along the foot of north of the Heuningberg - from Bredasdorp to the Napier Mountain are preparing to protect their properties and to assist with the suppression of the fire.
- Containing the base of the fire (where it started). If not, the fire will restart again and again.
Cape Agulhas Municipality law enforcement will assist the town members.
Sources: Overberg District Municipality, Greater Overberg FPA
