Fires in Breede Valley and Witzenberg continue to burn out of control according to the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM’s) Fire Services.
Also read: Cape Winelands fire services battle winds over difficult night
The strong north-westerly wind that picked up around 3am exacerbated the fires at Bain’s Kloof and Fairy Glen, causing flare-ups in previously contained areas.
As expected, the fire crossed the road into the Slanghoek side of the Bain’s Kloof Pass. On the Slanghoek side of the past, teams are working hard to keep the fire moving along the mountainous areas and away from structures and vineyards. On the other side of the road, the wind has pushed the fire back towards Steenbok Park, where firefighters have protected structures.
The Bain’s Kloof Pass is currently open; however, motorists should be aware that it may be closed at any time, and use of this route is entirely at their discretion.
Meanwhile, teams at Elandsberg near the Voëlvlei Dam have made progress in preventing the fire from spreading to the Elandsberg Reserve.
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Firefighters have reported a successful burn-out, with the wind in their favour. The goal for the day is to keep driving the fireline into the rocky area of the mountain, where it can burn itself out.
By late evening, teams had also made excellent progress on the two fire lines that broke out in Fairy Glen, Worcester, on Friday afternoon.
However, the wind has caused previously contained areas to flare up. Firefighters have reported that the majority of yesterday’s gains have been reversed.
The Incident Command Post (ICP) has confirmed that aerial resources will be activated wherever and whenever possible. The crew compliment will mostly stay the same as yesterday. However, there will be a shift change to relieve some of the crews who have worked on the lines for more than 24 hours.
CWDM fire services and their contracted ground teams, NCC, and aerial support, Leading Edge Aviation, are working collaboratively and supported by the West Coast District, Swartland, Breede Valley, Drakenstein, and Witzenberg Municipalities, CapeNature, Volunteer WildFire Services, Working on Fire, Department of Fisheries, Forests, and Environment, Provincial Disaster Management Centre, and the Fire Protection Association, which are also members of the (ICP).
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Picture: FPA, Dale Nortje/ CWDM/ Facebook
