A mountain fire that broke out above the Old Pass at Du Toit’s Kloof earlier this week remains under close monitoring after firefighting crews worked through the night to prevent it from spreading toward key routes and surrounding vegetation, reports Cape {town}Etc.
The blaze started on Wednesday morning, 11 March, on the Paarl side of the old tunnel, prompting a coordinated response from emergency teams operating across the Cape Winelands region, as reported by Smile FM via Facebook.
By early the following day, crews had succeeded in containing critical sections of the fire line, though officials warn that extreme heat continues to pose a threat of flare-ups.
Emergency responders say strong winds and dry vegetation initially intensified the situation, producing flames estimated to exceed four metres in height, conditions that required sustained overnight operations to stabilise the affected area.
Information released by the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) confirms that firefighters concentrated efforts on the right-hand flank of the fire above the roadway, where advancing flames posed the greatest immediate concern.
Teams managed to push the fire away from dense vegetation, successfully containing that section of the burn area. However, authorities stressed that the ground remains dangerously hot beneath the surface, increasing the likelihood of reignition as temperatures climb.
On the Worcester-facing side of the mountain, firefighters reported slower fire movement, as the left flank is advanced toward previously burnt veld, which is expected to function as a natural firebreak and assist containment efforts.
Water tankers and fire vehicles from Worcester and Paarl stations remain stationed along the mountainside, running extended water lines uphill to prevent flames from descending toward the road infrastructure below.
Despite ongoing operations, the Old Pass remains open to traffic. Motorists, particularly heavy-vehicle drivers, are being urged to proceed cautiously and allow space for emergency vehicles operating along roadside sections.
Officials say updates will be issued as conditions change, with crews remaining on standby while hot weather persists across the region.
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Picture: CapeNature and CWDM/Facebook
