Firefighters worked through the night to contain the Du Toit’s Kloof fire burning above the Old Pass road on the Paarl side of the old tunnel, according to the Cape Winelands District Municipality, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The municipality confirmed that its Fire Services teams responded to the blaze with support from CapeNature after flames spread across the mountainside late on Monday night. Strong winds and dry vegetation drove the fire, producing flames higher than four metres in some areas.
Officials said crews focused on the right-hand flank on the Paarl side, where firefighters managed to push the fire line away from dense vegetation and bring that section under control.
‘The fire was driven by a stiff breeze and dry vegetation, producing flames in excess of four metres,’ the Cape Winelands District Municipality said in an update on Wednesday morning. ‘This line has now been pushed away from dense vegetation and successfully contained.’
Despite that progress, the burnt ground remains extremely hot and temperatures above 40°C are expected on Wednesday. Authorities warned that flare-ups remain possible.
Two ground teams are continuing mopping-up operations in the area while additional crews prepare to work on the central section of the fire line in accessible terrain.
The left flank of the fire is burning slowly toward an area of previously burnt veld, which officials expect will act as a natural firebreak.
Fire engines and water tankers from Worcester and Paarl remain on scene, running water lines up the mountainside to prevent flames from moving down toward the road.
The road remains open, though motorists, particularly heavy vehicles, have been asked to drive carefully and make way for firefighting vehicles.
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Picture: CapeNature and CWDM Firefighters
