The first report came in during the early hours this morning of a fire igniting above the entrance to the Huguenot Tunnel. Swift action was taken, with ground teams deployed to combat the flames, which currently burn between the tunnel entrance and the Old N1 road.
Luckily, there has been no obstruction to vehicles, and firefighters are managing to keep the fire away from the tunnel entrance despite challenging winds.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has announced the deployment of a Black Hawk helicopter to aid in the firefighting efforts, focusing on containing the fire lines effectively.
This comes as firefighters remain on high alert throughout the area, employing a range of techniques to mitigate the fire spread.
Meanwhile, another blaze in Idas Valley, Stellenbosch has continued to pose challenges after flaring up yesterday afternoon. Two active fire lines remain a concern; one stretches behind residential properties while the second meanders through a small kloof before the Tokara estate.
Volunteer Wildfire Services are on the ground, tirelessly working to suppress the flames.
In the Matroosberge region, fierce winds have complicated firefighting efforts. Teams have faced significant challenges on the Bo-Swaarmoed Pass, with strong gusts pushing flames into the De Eiken farm.
Fortunately, quick-thinking and decisive action by firefighting crews safeguarded a farmhouse from the advancing fire, resulting in only minimal damage to shade netting.
The fire on the De Doorns side of the Matroosberge has largely been contained, aside from two small areas that are still under scrutiny. High flames are visible in one location that’s encircled by previously burned terrain, which should act as a natural firebreak.
The only other smouldering spot relates to a pile of waste comprising old vineyard poles. Fire crews remain vigilant in monitoring and executing mop-up operations to ensure complete extinguishment.
On the Boontjies River along the R46 between Tulbagh and Ceres, fire lines have been successfully contained, although teams will stay in the area for the next few days to continue monitoring the situation closely.
In light of the challenging conditions, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Executive Mayor of the Cape Wineland District Municipality, commended the collective efforts of all involved. ‘Despite the ferocity of the heat, the high fuel loads and the strong winds, it is remarkable that, apart from a few scorched vineyards and a small section of shade netting, there has been no loss of property and no injuries during this latest spate of fires,’ she stated.
‘This is a testament to the effective deployment and management of resources and to the skill, courage, and dedication of our firefighters,’
In a heartfelt message, von Schlicht also expressed gratitude to the farmers, agri-workers, businesses, community members, and organisations for their unwavering support in this time of crisis.
Update: 05 December, 5:30pm
‘One such fire is raging at Boontjiesrivier along the R46, where it threatens two significant areas such as Ceres and Tulbagh.
‘Firefronts are advancing down the mountainside towards the Ou Tol and close to popular camping sites, prompting the mobilization of all necessary resources to protect local property,’ CWDM said.
Aerial support specifically waterbombing helicopters alongside ground teams and fire crews, have been on high alert, supported by local farmers and agri-workers who have joined the fight.
Efforts to curb the blaze will continue through the night as the teams strive to secure containment lines, CWDM said.
In the Matroosberge area, the fires are making their way down Nollie’s Kloof toward a dam. Firefighters have reported progress, although operating in rocky, challenging terrain remains a significant hurdle.
‘Concurrently, another line is ablaze on a ridge above the CapeNature reserve area, which has faced flare-ups, complicating efforts. Ground teams will remain vigilant overnight to mitigate the situation,’ CWDM stated.
In the Hex River Valley, situated near De Doorns, the day began relatively calm, yet the resurgence of wind has led to the reignition of previously controlled fire lines.
‘Firefighters are now tasked with containing flames that are climbing higher into the mountains.
‘Thankfully, if the fire reaches previously scorched earth, it may eventually extinguish itself. Response teams will be staying on the front lines, prepared to prevent the fire from invading lower vegetation areas,’ CWDM said.
Adding to the challenges, a new fire has ignited in Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, prompting an immediate response from the CWDM and Stellenbosch Municipality.
The Provincial Disaster Management Centre’s aerial resources have also been activated, given that Leading Edge Aviation is currently occupied at Boontjiesrivier.
Continued vigilance through the night is essential as the teams strive to contain this new outbreak effectively.
The most pressing incidents occurred in the Bo-Swaarmoed Pass and De Doorns areas, where firefighters battled the elements and erratic fire behaviour amid tough conditions.
The fire in the Bo-Swaarmoed Pass, located on the R46 near Ceres, had seen significant containment efforts late yesterday afternoon (Thursday) thanks to ground teams and aerial support.
‘However, as night fell and winds intensified, lingering embers ignited additional fire lines, spreading the blaze into three distinct areas.
‘Crews effectively managed to contain these spots, yet a stubborn fire line continued to wreak havoc further up in Nollie’s Kloof.
‘A shift change this morning will see the deployment of two new ground teams aimed at safeguarding the mountain huts in close proximity and managing the ongoing risk of property damage,’ CWDM said.
Meanwhile, in De Doorns, despite a coordinated effort involving farmers, the Winelands Fire Protection Association (WFPA), and firefighters from CapeNature and local municipalities, the situation shifted dramatically as the fire spread erratically through the night.
Driven by strong winds, flames burned dangerously low near farmlands, prompting immediate attention. However, optimism occurred this morning as teams reported that most fire lines had been contained, leaving only a small fire line approaching Touwsrivier to be addressed.
On another front, the Boontjiesrivier fire, which ignited from the road reserve just after the Wolseley turn-off, posed its own unique set of challenges.
‘Despite the swift deployment of aerial resources, the blaze expanded rapidly, consuming scrubland. Fire crews worked diligently to protect properties and farmlands in the vicinity,’ CWDM said.
There are two key areas of concern as daylight breaks:
- A fire line escalating towards Ceres in an inaccessible mountainous region, which will be tackled once ground teams gain access.
- A simultaneous blaze near Tulbagh, where firefighters are focused on safeguarding Eskom pylons and preventing the fire from breaching protective firebreaks.
Although today’s anticipated temperatures are forecasted to be milder than yesterday’s sweltering heat, the forecast predicts a warm day around 30ºC, which still poses a challenge for firefighting crews.
Picture: DFW Fire & Rescue NPC / Facebook
