A massive wildfire that started on 22 December continues to burn across more than 34 000 hectares in the Cederberg region, with firefighting teams working around the clock to contain multiple active fire lines in mountainous and inaccessible terrain.
The blaze, described as one of the largest wildfires in the municipal area since the devastating Wupperthal fires of 2018, has swept through several areas including Algeria, Driehoek, Kromrivier, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal. Despite the scale of the fire, authorities report no loss of life and minimal structural damage.
“While large sections of the fire are contained, the fire is not yet fully contained, and multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain,” said Cape Nature in an official statement.
Property damage has been remarkably limited, with only a wooden cottage and caravan at Driehoek destroyed. At present, no structures are under immediate threat, according to authorities.
Heinrich Robertson, spokesperson for the West Coast fire and rescue services, reported significant progress in containment efforts. “About 80% of the fire line in the Cederberg is under control. Firefighters worked through the night and were able to contain fire lines that threatened the Stadsaal caves, Oasis and Vogelfontein. These areas are now secured and teams are ensuring there are no flare-ups,” Robertson said.
Ground firefighting resources remain strategically deployed between Kromrivier, Gonnafontein, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal, where teams are actively monitoring and safeguarding properties in the Eastern Cederberg. Active firefighting continues around Maraisberg and between Citrusdal and Niewoudtspas, with multiple ground teams using direct firefighting, monitoring, and strategic burn-outs along firebreaks and jeep tracks to prevent further spread.
Resource coordination is being led by Cape Nature, West Coast District Municipality, and the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association, with crucial support from Working on Fire (WOF) and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS). As the fire edge has moved, the Cape Winelands District Municipality joined operations as the fire enters their jurisdiction.
Since early December, firefighting teams have responded to 79 fires across the province, with 283 firefighters deployed to combat the blazes.
All Cape Nature-managed properties in the affected Cederberg-area remain closed to visitors, including all hiking trails, Algeria and Bosherberge Campsites, Stadsaal, and Truitjieskraal. Private properties Driehoek and Kromrivier – Cederberg Park are also temporarily closed.
However, several sites remain open to visitors, including Sandrif, Wolfberg Cracks, Oasis, and Nuwerus.
Despite the extensive burned area, authorities remain optimistic about natural recovery. “Much of the area burnt consists of old fynbos veld, which is a fire-adapted ecosystem, and we anticipate healthy regeneration following good winter rains,” Cape Nature stated.
West Coast District Municipality Mayor Boffie Strydom has expressed gratitude to firefighting teams and community members who provided support during the holiday period.
“Thank you to everyone who selflessly served during the festive season. Also to the local farmers and members of the public who lent a hand to make the task lighter – thank you very much,” Strydom said.
Cape Nature extended sincere thanks to everyone who supported firefighting teams, including donations of refreshments, which are greatly appreciated and help sustain crews in the field.
Authorities have cautioned against the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. Cape Nature requests members of the public and social media users not to share outdated images, misinformation or unverified reports, as this creates unnecessary panic.
The current fire season in the Western Cape is being described as one of the most challenging in recent years.
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