SIMONDIUM – As earlier warnings indicated, the fire season kicked off earlier than expected with an active fire raging in the Cape Winelands.

Jo-Anne Otto, a spokesperson for the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), confirmed a fire on the mountain slopes near Simondium.

“The fire is situated above La Plaisir Wine Estate and is being driven by a combination of high fuel loads and very strong winds. Two CWDM ground teams and one from CapeNature have been deployed.”

According to Otto, the blazing terrain is inaccessible at this stage to fire vehicles. Fire crews are also unable to reach the fire lines with vehicles.

“Crews are concerned that the strong winds may cause further spot fires, resulting in the fire spreading to new areas.”

Despite the obstacles they face, firefighting operations will continue, Otto says.

“Firefighting operations will continue for at least the next 12 hours, unless the situation changes.”

NovaNews recently reported on the Western Cape preparing for one of the most severe El Niño events in recorded history, with the province’s fire season doubling from four to eight months.

Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell confirmed in the provincial parliament in August that the high-risk fire period will stretch from October through May, driven by extreme El Niño weather patterns and climate change.

Otto says regular updates will be provided.