Update: 22 January, 9am
Fire crews are continuing to battle active flare-ups in the mountains above Franschhoek, according to the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services.
Officials said several flare-ups were recorded late on Wednesday afternoon, with shifting conditions causing fire lines to spread quickly up the mountain slopes. Ground teams remain on high alert as they work to contain the affected areas.
To support operations and protect nearby properties, multiple aerial firefighting resources were deployed, assisting crews on the ground in limiting the spread of the fire.
Authorities confirmed that no structures have been damaged and no injuries have been reported at this stage. The Franschhoek Pass remains open to traffic.
Fire services said a more detailed update will be issued once inspection teams have completed assessments across all impacted areas.
A wildfire above Franschhoek remains active, driven by very strong winds and steep terrain as firefighters from the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch and neighbouring towns battle to protect homes, farms and infrastructure, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Stellenbosch Municipality said: ‘The fire above Franschhoek continues to burn out of control. At this stage, no damage to buildings or loss of life has been reported. Firefighters from Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch and surrounding towns remain on scene and are actively battling the blaze.’ The municipality urged people to avoid the area while teams manage containment and safety.
Fire services, CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association made progress overnight but warned that gusty conditions and rugged slopes complicate suppression efforts. Aerial support and multiple ground crews are coordinating containment lines to protect vulnerable properties and working vineyards.
Local reporting and community updates show smoke and reduced visibility across lower valleys, and emergency coordinators continue to assess possible impacts to services and agriculture.
Authorities ask residents to heed official warnings and keep clear of operational zones while crews carry out firefighting and safety operations.
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Also read:
Franschhoek blaze: Firefighting efforts to continue through the night
Picture: DFW
