Firefighting operations continue in the mountains above Franschhoek, where a wildfire that started almost a week ago remains active and has threatened properties overnight.
In the early hours of this morning, the fire line burning on the right-hand side of the Franschhoek Pass was pushed towards properties by wind. Firefighting teams responded rapidly and managed to push the fire back into the mountainous areas, preventing it from crossing the road and protecting guesthouses and farms in the vicinity.
The fire remains active on the right-hand (Theewaterskloof) side of the pass and is also burning on the Overberg side. The Franschhoek Pass remains closed to traffic.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services, working alongside CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association, have deployed teams to all accessible areas. Efforts are focused on bringing the active fire line under control, while ground crews continue with monitoring and mopping-up operations in other affected areas.
The municipality and its partners have thanked farmers and agricultural workers who assisted with firefighting efforts during the night.
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