The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) has not issued an evacuation order to the Brandvlei Prison outside Worcester, where fire crews are currently battling a blaze.
Also read: Bainskloof fire rages on while ground teams battle three fire lines
As per a municipal statement, CWDM fire crews are creating fire breaks between the prison grounds and the fire. ‘Although the process creates a lot of smoke, there is currently no threat to any houses or the facility,’ the statement reads.

It further notes that this technique is referred to as ‘fighting fire with fire’, during which fire teams burn a section of ground to create a ‘fire break’ so that the fire can be directed toward a different direction.
The Correctional Services have been advised to keep windows and doors closed and to not make use of air conditioners due to the smoke created by the backburn.
Firefighting vehicles are strategically placed along the area to ensure that the backburn is managed.
As of 4pm this afternoon, the active fire line (which was previously higher up in the Brandvlei mountain) had descended and is currently burning on the grounds of the Brandvlei Prison. The prison is located on the bank of the Brandvlei Dam near Worcester.
According to the municipality, there are no further reports of structural losses and adequate resources have been deployed to ensure the ongoing protection of structures throughout the night.
Here are the latest updates for fires in the surrounding area:
Bainskloof: Gawie se Water
The fire in Bainskloof remains contained. Ground teams will continue with mopping up and monitoring activities until the area is deemed safe.
Matroosberg
The active fire line on the De Doorns side continues to burn out of control. Firefighting efforts will continue throughout the night.
Lakenvlei
The fire at Lakenvlei, Ceres, has been successfully contained. One ground team will remain on site for mopping up and monitoring activities.
Baviaanshoek
Two firefighting vehicles with crews are currently stationed at Baviaanshoek. They are monitoring the fire line for structure protection.
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Cape Town’s firefighters tackle over 13 000 incidents in four months
Picture: Breedevallei Munisipaliteit – Breede Valley Municipality / Facebook