A relentless fire that ravaged several farms in the Cape Winelands has finally been brought under control after a tireless, hours-long battle between firefighters and the fierce flames, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The blaze, which started at 12:09am on 21 January, quickly escalated into a full-scale inferno, threatening properties and causing widespread damage to valuable wine and fruit orchards.
The fire began in the riverbed between De Leeuwenhof and Minnie Farm on the Sonstraal Road. Upon receiving the emergency call, the commander at the independent response group, DFW Fire & Rescue, immediately issued a general alarm, alerting responders via WhatsApp, Zello, and radio. With dry weather, high winds and scorching temperatures, the fire spread rapidly, making it extremely difficult for fire crews to contain.
Within minutes, the first DFW trucks arrived on the scene, followed by additional responders and cruisers from nearby areas, including Dawie Coetzee, who came all the way from Nieuwedrift to assist. Despite efforts to halt the fire multiple times, the wind sent embers flying from burning oak trees, causing frequent re-ignitions. Cape Winelands fire crews launched a counterattack through Minnie Farm, later requesting assistance from ‘Stem in die Bos’ to help cut down old oak trees that were throwing sparks into the air.
The fire quickly jumped to Knolvlei Farm, threatening precious vineyards. DFW teams then split up, with some heading to Knolvlei, while one tanker focused on supplying water via long hoses. The firefighting effort turned into a game of cat and mouse, as the wind and the unpredictable flames continuously shifted direction.
By 6am, after nearly six hours of tireless work, the fire was finally contained. Firefighters had triumphed, but the battle left them exhausted after a long night of fighting. ‘It became a cat and mouse game, but we kept at it, and the fire eventually surrendered,’ said a DFW spokesperson.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, it is believed to be arson. The riverbed area between the farms is often used by culprits for illicit activities, raising suspicions that this may have been deliberate.
In total, an estimated 102 000 litres of water were used to bring the blaze under control. The DFW firefighters made good use of two fire hydrants at De Leeuwenhof to refill their trucks and cruisers, with the large pumps and water cannons playing a crucial role in battling the flames amidst the challenging wind conditions.
The fire may have been defeated, but the aftermath will likely be felt for some time as farmers and residents assess the damage and begin the recovery process.
Also read:
Picture: DFW Fire & Rescue NPC
