Update: Fire crews continue to battle blaze above Franschhoek

Update: 26 January, 10:30am

Firefighting teams remain locked in a challenging battle in the mountains above Franschhoek, as authorities confirm that active operations are continuing in the area.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services, working alongside CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association, said the fire was first reported on 17 January 2026 and, while most fire lines have been brought under control, one section remains active at the top of the Banghoek Valley.

On Sunday afternoon, two ground teams were deployed in an effort to contain the fire as it shifted into terrain that is slightly more accessible. Fire officials said the next operational phase will focus on protecting the Banghoek Valley, although conditions remain extremely difficult due to steep and hazardous terrain, with no guarantee that containment efforts will be successful.

To support operations, an aerial crew from Leading Edge is set to airlift ground teams from NCC, CapeNature and MTO Forestry into the affected area. A reconnaissance flight will also be carried out to assess the full extent of the remaining fire line.

Authorities further confirmed that a separate fire line, linked to the same incident, is burning in the Overberg region and is currently being managed by the Overberg District Fire Services.

The relentless wildfire that has engulfed the mountains above Franschhoek for nearly a week now shows no signs of abating, with firefighting teams on high alert, reports Cape {town} Etc.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services (CWDM), collaborating with key partners like CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA), report ongoing intensive firefighting operations aimed at containing the flames that threaten local properties.

In the early hours of the morning, strong winds pushed the fire line on the right-hand side of the Franschhoek Pass towards vulnerable properties in the area.

Swift action from firefighting teams successfully contained the flames, preventing them from spilling into new areas across the road and safeguarding beloved guest houses and farms.

As of now, the fire remains active particularly on the Theewaterskloof side of the pass and is also burning on the Overberg side. In the interest of public safety, authorities have closed the Franschhoek Pass to all traffic.

CWDM has announced that teams will be deployed to all accessible locations, with ongoing efforts concentrated on controlling the active fire line.

Despite the challenging circumstances, ground teams and fire crews continue vital monitoring and mopping-up operations in the other impacted areas.

In an extension of gratitude, CWDM expressed heartfelt thanks to farmers and agricultural workers who worked tirelessly throughout the night to support firefighting efforts.