The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) reported mixed results from the night’s firefighting work.
Also read: Update on Cape Winelands fires: A challenging day for firefighters
The rain, which began late in the evening, slowed progress and was insufficient to penetrate the active fire lines.
Rain caused back-burning operations to be delayed on both the Bain’s Kloof/Slanghoek and the Elandsberg fires due to wet conditions. Although the rain provided some relief with cooler weather, it had little effect on the fire lines and will burn away quickly in today’s heat.
The fire at Fairy Glen presented a few additional challenges. A few smouldering spots remain in the inaccessible areas high on the west side of the mountains. However, the fire line on the right side ignited a fuel-rich area, and with the help of the strong wind, it quickly spread up the mountain.
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The operational team reports that there have been no hotspots in the Kluitjieskraal to Voëlvlei dam area for the last two days. Teams are likely to be pulled from these areas.
Fresh teams and resources will be deployed after the operational team has assessed the situation when daylight is available. The temperatures will remain in the mid- to lower-thirties (30°C to 34°C).
Today is day eight of the fire, and teams and crews will continue active firefighting efforts despite the difficult conditions.
CWDM Fire Services and their contracted ground teams, NCC and aerial support, Leading Edge Aviation, are collaborating and supported by the West Coast District, Swartland, Breede Valley, Drakenstein, and Witzenberg Municipalities, CapeNature, Volunteer WildFire Services, Working on Fire, the Department of Fisheries, Forests and Environment, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, and the Fire Protection Association, which are also members of the Incident Command Post (ICP).
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Also read:
Improved weather conditions ease out-of-control Cape Winelands fires
Picture: Supplied by FPA / CWDM Facebook
