Partially Contained
WELLINGTON – Firefighters battling the blaze near Slangrivier and Bo-Hermon Road, have managed to contain sections of the fire, but extreme conditions continue to pose challenges.
The fire, which has spread across more than 500 hectares, remains active as crews work relentlessly to bring it under control.
Teams from Drakenstein Municipality, Cape Winelands District Municipality, CapeNature, and the Fire Protection Association are on the ground, with operations coordinated from a command post at BoVlei Kelder. Despite their efforts, intense heat and shifting winds are making containment efforts difficult.
Origins and Impact
The fire, which ignited on Oaklands farm, Groenberg, rapidly spread due to gale-force winds and the high fuel load from eucalyptus plantations and dense vegetation. The flames moved swiftly down to Slangrivier Road, jumped across, and reached the Bo-Hermon area.
While firefighters and local agricultural workers have been working tirelessly, the fire has already caused significant damage:
Two sheds, a home, a cottage, and a prefabricated structure were destroyed.
Two cottages on the mountainside were evacuated, but firefighters successfully protected them.
Two more structures remain under threat, with firefighting resources strategically positioned to defend them.
Casualties and road updates
Fortunately, no lives have been lost in the fire. Only one individual was treated for asthma last night. Meanwhile, the Bainskloof Pass remains open for traffic.
Call for Cooperation
Late last night, the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA) urged landowners to unlock access gates to facilitate the movement of firefighting teams. While some crop damage has been reported, the fire has primarily affected CapeNature’s reserves. The full extent of the destruction is yet to be determined.
Firefighters continue their efforts today, closely monitoring weather conditions that could influence the fire’s behavior.
