The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services and fire crew has confirmed that the fire in Kluitjieskraal that broke out on Thursday has been contained.
On Thursday afternoon the Municipality’s Fire Services responded to the fire situated on the Tulbagh side of Kluitjieskraal.
The fire started in an aged tree plantation situated between wild and farmland areas. According to the fire services, the plantation was proving difficult to access as vehicles could not get through the dense vegetation.
Two ground teams were dispatched to assist closer to the fire lines, but the fire was being fuelled by a combination of strong wind and a high fuel load provided by dry leaves, bark, and old branches on the bed of the plantation.
According to the Fire Services, containment of the fire proved to be an uphill struggle.
“The difficult terrain, combined with strong winds and a high fuel load from dry leaves, bark, and old branches on the plantation floor, made access very difficult.”
Teams managed to secure the area at 2:30 on Friday morning. The area remains very volatile, and the predicted wind increases the likelihood of flare-ups.
Fire crews and teams from the CWDM’s Worcester and Ceres stations will stay on scene, assisted by two ground teams from NCC, to continue monitoring and mopping up operations.
