Update:
As of Thursday, 25 January:
The fire on the Suurvlakte/Silwerfontein side of the mountain above Wolsely continues to burn out of control.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) says the very high fuel load due to aged vegetation (mostly bluegum trees) and changeable wind directions, uneven ground and high night-time temperatures greatly hamper firefighting efforts.
Active firefighting efforts will continue today, focusing on preventing the fire from spreading. However, temperatures are forecast to exceed 39°C today, which could pose a challenge.
Fresh ground teams will replace those that have been on the line for the last 24 hours.
The fire at Kluitjieskraal continues to burn out of control due to strong winds and the aged pine plantation in the area.
Also read: Kluitjieskraal fire update: Firefighters battle amid unfavourable conditions
According to the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), although fire services made good progress last night, the fire line continues to burn out of control in the more inaccessible areas of the mountains above Kluitjieskraal.
CWDM teams, assisted by the Drakenstein Municipality’s fire services, were able to protect several structures surrounded by a bluegum tree plantation on Silverstone Farm.
However, the fire is advancing from a small valley named Suurvlakte, located between the mountains near the Voëlvlei Dam. The valley connects several areas, such as Bain’s Kloof and a private property that is home to wild animals. Crews could not access the area during the night due to its location and ground conditions.
Furthermore, fire services had to send four vehicles back to the Stellenbosch base due to several smaller fires reported in the area.
As per a municipal statement, the CWDM Fire Services will deploy a reconnaissance flight this morning to determine what occurred during the night and ensure the effective deployment of resources.
‘[Several] fire crews and ground teams, who need to be relieved will come off the lines and be replaced with fresh crew teams this morning.’
NCC Environmental Services, CapeNature and the Volunteer Wild Fire Services are assisting teams on the fire lines, supported by resources from the FPA, the Department of Environment and Fisheries and the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.
Also read:
Cape Winelands DM concerned about Kluitjieskraal fire spread
Picture: Cape Winelands DM / Facebook
