The Cederberg wildfire has grown to an estimated 34000 hectares since it ignited on 22 December, reports Cape {town} Etc.
It is forcing sustained firefighting operations and local closures as crews battle to protect remote farms and campsites from the wildfire.
CapeNature said firefighters and community volunteers are continuing to monitor and defend properties between Kromrivier, Gonnafontein, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal, while crews worked around Maraisberg and along routes between Citrusdal and Niewoudtspas.
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The agency described the week as ‘exceptionally demanding’ and praised the ‘remarkable co-operation and resilience shown by firefighting agencies, local communities and neighbours’.
According to EWN, authorities reported no lives lost and only limited structural damage: a wooden cottage and a caravan at Driehoek.
Ground teams are using direct firefighting, monitoring and controlled burnouts along firebreaks and jeep tracks to prevent further spread.
An updated incident report put containment at about 80 per cent as crews focus on active lines in mountainous terrain.
CapeNature noted that much of the burned area consists of old fynbos veld, which is a fire-adapted ecosystem that has healthy regeneration following good winter rains.
Local fire protection groups and municipal emergency services lead the response, supported by Working on Fire and Volunteer Wildfire Services.
CapeNature urged landowners to maintain clear access roads and defensible space around buildings to reduce the risk of fire reaching structures.
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Picture: Deryck Van Steenderen / Gallo Images (Image for illustrative purposes only)
