On Sunday morning, 20 February, reports surfaced of a fire on Franschhoek Pass, a well-known scenic drive and mountain pass with lookout points and views of rugged mountains and picturesque valleys.
This was confirmed by NCC Wildfires in a Facebook post: “NCC Environmental Services Cape Winelands DM Lewis crew has responded to a fire on Franschhoek Pass.
“Leading Edge Aviation, South Africa’s Black Hawk is inbound to support the ground crews.” Updates to follow.
This incident follows a fire along Chapman’s Peak, or ‘Chappies’ as its affectionately known as where two helicopters were deployed to assist in fire suppression efforts on Thursday. Additional fire fighting resources from NCC Environmental Services and Volunteer Wildlife Services assisted in bringing the blaze under control.
Prior to that, roughly 70 firefighters were on the scene to contain a raging fire under Blaauwberg Road bridge between Killarney Gardens and Milnerton rural area on Wednesday.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Inspectors were dispatched to assist injured and displaced animals, while property owners were urged to take their pets for veterinary treatment immediately if they showed signs of distress from possible smoke inhalation.
We commend the brave heroes who are always on the scene to battle the blaze.
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Five people have died in a Cape Town informal structure fire
Picture: Unsplash