Update: 17 November, 10:30am
In a recent update, they confirmed that previous blazes in Montagu/Ashton, De Doorns, and along the N1 at Du Toitskloof Pass have now been officially extinguished, although monitoring will persist in these areas to mitigate the risk of flare-ups.
Despite these successes, however, firefighters were alerted to two new fires that erupted in the early hours of the morning, compelling teams to expedite their response efforts.
- Slanghoek Valley (Wolseley side): A swift-moving fire ignited between Rawsonville and Wolseley, driven by strong winds. Fortunately, local farmers joined forces with fire crews to steer the blaze away from critical infrastructure and redirect it back into the veld. The situation is currently being managed, with frontline teams deploying effective strategies as first light breaks.
- Groendal, Franschhoek: In an informal settlement on the outskirts of Groendal, another fire has ignited. Although crews responded quickly, the fire’s progress has been slow, thanks to previous burn events in January that cleared much of the fuel from the area ahead of the fire line. This reduced fuel source significantly diminishes the fire’s threat level. Meanwhile, CapeNature teams are actively engaged in suppression efforts on the opposing flank.
With the combination of skilled firefighters and the support of the community, the CWDM remains vigilant in their fight against wildfires that threaten both land and livelihoods.
Update: 14 November, 5:30pm
The R62 has been closed to motorists following a series of wildfires in the Cape Winelands, reports Cape {town} Etc.
As of Thursday afternoon, the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services remains on high alert, engaging in active firefighting operations across several fronts in a region grappling with extreme fire hazards.
The most pressing situation is centred around the fireline that ignited above the Guano Caves outside Montagu.
This fire has aggressively spread through rocky ridges and sparse vegetation, raising alarm among local officials and residents. ‘Earlier efforts to contain the flames had shown promise, with firefighters reporting good progress last night. However, a sudden onset of heavy mist forced teams to retreat, as conditions became dangerously unstable.’
As the dawn broke, firefighting crews re-engaged with renewed determination. Unfortunately, late-morning winds exacerbated the situation, pushing the fire further into greener, more combustible areas.
This drastic change resulted in the fire jumping the R62 at multiple points, prompting immediate action to protect properties in jeopardy, CWDM said.
First responders from CWDM, Langeberg Municipality, CapeNature, landowners, and RRM Security have mobilised a fleet of vehicles and personnel, actively working to safeguard vulnerable structures in the surrounding area. The gravity of the situation has led to the deployment of helicopters to aid the ground crews, as multiple properties currently remain at risk.
Heavy smoke cloaks the vicinity, complicating visibility and posing a risk to both motorists and residents. Officials are urging all drivers to heed the closure of the R62 and to steer clear of the affected areas until further notice.
Compounding these challenges, firefighters are contending with undulating terrain and dry conditions that severely hinder their firefighting efforts.
The CWDM has indicated that operations are set to continue throughout the night and into the coming days, as they brace for the potential for further escalation.
Update: 13 November, 17:30m
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services, collaborating with partners from CapeNature, are actively engaged in combating ongoing wildfires in the Montagu and Ashton areas, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The situation, sparked by natural elements and exacerbated by challenging weather conditions, poses significant challenges to local firefighting teams.
In De Doorns, firefighters are tackling a blaze that ignited after a lightning strike in the Matroosberg mountains.
‘Despite their best efforts, the fire is continuing its descent down the mountain, testing the resolve and endurance of the response teams.
‘The current hot weather not only complicates their mission but creates uncomfortable conditions for those on the front lines.
‘However, firefighters remain hopeful that the forecast of cooler night temperatures will bring some respite, aiding in their struggle to suppress the flames,’ CWDMsaid.
Authorities stress there is currently no danger to properties in the vicinity, providing a glimmer of relief in a challenging situation.
On a separate front, another fire has been causing concern since last Friday in the Cogmanskloof mountains above Zolani, outside Ashton.
‘This fire has proven to be a significant hurdle for containment efforts, with small active spots still dangerously situated on the high peaks above the Guano Caves near Montagu.
‘Concurrently, on the opposite side of the mountain, the blaze has made its way into rocky terrains above Sarah’s Valley, further complicating suppression strategies,’ CWDM said.
The slightly cooler temperatures recorded today are providing some assistance to the firefighting teams as they work diligently to contain the flames. Fortunately, officials have affirmed that there is presently no imminent threat to nearby properties.
Update: 12 November, 10:30am
As the fierce flames continue to rage in Cogmanskloof, the dedicated teams from the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), alongside various partners, remain steadfast in their efforts to contain the fire, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The blaze has established firelines above Sarah’s Valley Farm on the Ashton side and Guano Caves on the Montagu side, where the inferno persists in a broken line, posing a significant challenge to firefighters.
The CWDM reported that fire crews from CapeNature are actively working to re-establish an effective fire break on the Ashton side today, a crucial step in preventing the flames from advancing further. ‘In the area above Guano Caves, the fireline is very high in the kloofs,’ CWDM stated.
This challenging terrain complicates the firefighting efforts, as teams must navigate steep and difficult landscapes to manage the flames.
In addition to the CWDM, resources include teams from the Langeberg Fire Services, CapeNature, the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA), and local Montagu Volunteer Fire and Rescue service.
Together, they are committed to monitoring the situation and conducting mop-up operations as they tirelessly work to suppress the fire’s spread.
Fortunately, conditions have been somewhat favourable so far, with no wind reported in the area. However, the forecast predicts high temperatures throughout the day, which may elevate the risk of flare-ups and complicate the suppression efforts.
The CWDM has urged both its teams and the local community to remain vigilant and prepared for any shifts in fire behaviour.
Update: 11 November, 13:30pm
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) fire services, in partnership with local agencies and communities, has announced a positive update regarding the Cogmanskloof fire, which ignited above Ashton and Montagu last week Friday, reports Cape {town} Etc.
While firelines remain active, the team confirms that excellent progress has been made toward full containment.
Despite the ongoing challenges, notably on the fireline above Sarah’s Farm, where intermittent flare-ups along the upper slopes continue, CWDM’s ground teams and volunteers have taken proactive measures to tackle the situation.
‘CapeNature’s ground teams are set to re-establish a firebreak from Sarah’s Farm through to Remhoogte Farm, which will serve to further strengthen containment efforts in this vital area,’ stated a CWDM official.
Encouragingly, the fireline above Montagu Hospital has been successfully contained, and while there is still much work to be done, mopping-up operations are currently being executed by the dedicated Montagu Volunteer Fire and Rescue team.
These efforts are crucial in ensuring that the threat of reignition is mitigated.
In more concerning news, the fire at the Guano Caves continues to creep through inaccessible rocky ridges. However, CWDM reports that this part of the fire remains patchy in nature and is anticipated to burn itself out due to a lack of available fuel.
Coworkers on the ground remain vigilant, continually monitoring these active areas to maintain control as required.
The CWDM expressed their utmost gratitude to the Montagu Volunteer Fire and Rescue team, along with the supportive residents of Montagu and Ashton, and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA). ‘Their invaluable support and coordination throughout this incident have not gone unnoticed,’ CWDM stated.
They acknowledge that, while the fire has not yet been fully extinguished, mitigation and monitoring activities will persist over the coming days.
Update: 10 November, 4:30pm
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services, alongside partners, continue to tackle a persistent wildfire burning in the Cogmanskloof mountains, situated above the towns of Montagu and Ashton on Tuesday afternoon, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The fire, which has been raging along the mountain ridge, presents ongoing challenges for teams working through challenging conditions.
Crews are focusing their efforts along a fire line stretching from Sarah’s Farm in Ashton, past the scenic Gelania Farm, and moving across rocky outcrops towards the Guano Caves.
A significant concern remains as the variables of weather can drastically affect the situation.
‘The fire has only moved downwards from the ridge in one notable area, igniting a few eucalyptus trees above Montagu Hospital. However, the expert firefighting teams successfully diverted flames away from a nearby plantation, preventing further damage,’ CWDM stated.
In a statement made on Tuesday afternoon, the CWDM expressed apprehension regarding the potential for a shift in wind direction, which could reignite concerns for the plantation area.
The importance of continued active firefighting operations was underscored, with emergency services declaring their commitment to keep the flame at bay through the night.
As firefighting teams work tirelessly to mitigate the threat of the blaze spreading, community members are urged to remain vigilant.
CWDM, CapeNature and Winelands FPA continue manual firefighting while teams mop up at Lanquedoc. The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) issued a 4:30pm update on 8 November 2025 confirming a new vegetation fire at Simonsberg along the old N1 (R101), adjacent to Simonsberg Cellar.
Fire crews are on scene and engaged in active suppression, authorities say further details are not yet available. Facebook
At Ashton and Montagu, crews report slow but steady progress along the fire lines. An active line remains above Zolani, and the northern Montagu flank also burns. CapeNature and CWDM teams are managing both lines.
There is no current risk to infrastructure, but officials warned a wind shift could move flames toward farmland, so fire trucks are standing by to protect property if needed.
Lanquedoc crews have largely completed mop-up operations after earlier aerial and groundwork. Teams expect to withdraw from that site later this evening, while continuing to monitor for hotspots.
Winelands blaze contained at Lanquedoc, remains critical at Ashton | 9am
Fire crews from the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) and partners spent Friday tackling two separate blazes above Lanquedoc and Ashton, with mixed success as terrain and vegetation shaped the response, reports Cape {town} Etc.
CWDM said the Lanquedoc fire above Pniël is now largely under control after aerial and ground crews worked together, while the Ashton incident remains hard to reach because it is burning through very old fynbos.
At Lanquedoc, helicopters and fixed-wing resources supported 39 ground crew from contracted teams and partners, who will stay on site to mop up hotspots and fire inaccessible pockets.
CWDM thanked local farmers and the Volunteer Wildfire Services for on-the-ground assistance on their Facebook page.
Above Ashton and Montagu, the situation remains critical as firefighters face an ecological and operational challenge: dense, mature vegetation, much of it older than 25 years, that makes aerial drops ineffective.
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Teams are relying on manual containment along a broken fire line on the mountain peaks, placing a premium on safety and careful tactics to protect both people and sensitive biodiversity.
Cooler evening temperatures helped crews make steady progress. Officials warned that hot stumps and falling rocks, coupled with expected high temperatures, may bring new flare-ups.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, praised the efforts of all involved, saying:
‘Our firefighters and partners are working around the clock under very tough conditions in several parts of the province. Their quick and coordinated response has ensured that communities are kept safe, with no loss of life or serious damage reported. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and for the support shown by landowners and volunteers.’
CWDM, Winelands Fire Protection Association and CapeNature request that Residents and landowners allow access to firefighting vehicles and personnel and report any new fires immediately.
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