Wellington: The fire raging around Slangrivier and the Bo-Hermon Road in Wellington is partially contained in certain areas.
The affected area stretches over 500 hectares. Fire and rescue teams from Drakenstein Municipality, the Cape Winelands District Municipality, and their contractors, CapeNature and the Fire Protection Association, are still busy with active firefighting, with the intense heat and unpredictable wind hampering their work. The command post is currently stationed at BoVlei Kelder.
The fire that started on the Oaklands farm, Groenberg, has been most problematic. Galeforce winds and high fuel loads provided by eucalyptus plantations and other vegetation caused the fire to spread very quickly. The fire traveled down to the Slangrivier Road where it jumped across 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 were destroyed, as well as a cottage and a pre-fabricated structure. Two cottages high on the mountainside were also evacuated. Fire and rescue services were, however, able to protect these structures.
Two structures are currently under threat, but Municipality resources have been strategically placed to protect them.
No loss of life has been reported, and one patient was treated for asthma last night. The Bainskloof Pass remains open for traffic.
Late last night, the Winelands FPA requested landowners to ensure that access gates were unlocked to ensure freedom of movement for fire and rescue services. Damages to crops have been reported, but it is mostly CapeNature’s reserve that is being affected. At this stage, however, it is difficult to establish the extent of the damages.
