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 on Tuesday 18 February 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.
Meanwhile, a 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 very hot Wednesday is expected across the Cape Winelands. A new fire has been reported in the Koue Bokkeveld; however, no further information is available at present.
SUPPLIED BY: The Cape Winelands District Municipality
