A fire in Tesselaarsdal and Stanford in the Overstrand area has caused widespread concern in the Western Cape as it is being actively managed by local and district firefighting teams.
As of 12:30 today (Sunday, 21 December) the Overstrand Municipality Fire Services, alongside the Overberg District Municipality (ODM), remain on high alert in response to the rapidly developing blaze.
In a statement by Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill it was revealed that a number of ground teams have been deployed to suppress the fire on various flanks. “Our first priority is to halt the fire’s progress towards Stanford Hills,” the statement noted.
“Once that is contained, we will focus on cutting off the fire’s head in the Hemel-and-Aarde area, which remains at high risk.”
Firefighting teams on the ground
The fire line on the southern flank of the blaze is being tackled by a National Control Centre (NCC) team, while a Working on Fire (WoF) team is working to reinforce containment in the western direction, particularly towards the head of the fire.
Aerial support, including helicopters, is on standby but has only been deployed for structural protection.
At present, two Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) teams and one additional WoF team are on the northern flank, where they aim to suppress the fire from an established anchor point.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to contain the fire, but residents must remain vigilant, especially those living in close proximity to the Stanford Hills and Hemel-and-Aarde areas,” said O’Neill.
Temporary road closure and caution for motorists
In an effort to prevent congestion around the fire zones, the Overstrand Municipality has announced that barriers along the gravel road behind Hermanus Heights will be temporarily removed at 12:00 today.
The decision to reopen Fernkloof Drive, which has suffered some damage due to heavy smoke, is designed to ease traffic flow, but officials have warned that the road conditions remain poor.
“While there is no immediate fire danger in this area, we urge motorists to use the gravel road at their own risk,” said O’Neill. “We need to ensure that emergency communication lines remain open, and this measure will help alleviate the pressure on our municipal emergency control room.”
Motorists are advised to keep the Overstrand Municipality Fire & Rescue emergency line, 028 312 2400, available for genuine emergencies only.
Warnings to landowners in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
In an urgent message issued last night, the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (goFPA) has called on landowners in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to take immediate precautions.
The fire, which is currently located on the northern side of the mountain, is moving towards the Diepgat Hemel-en-Aarde Road, and a shift in wind direction could cause the fire to move over the mountain.
“Landowners in the Kleinrivier Fire Management Unit must stay on high alert,” said O’Neill. “We are asking all landowners to cut firebreaks and clear areas around infrastructure, particularly if the wind shifts. Having vehicles ready and fire safety measures in place will help prevent further damage.”
Caledon fire update
Meanwhile, in Caledon, firefighters have managed to protect key structures, including the town reservoir, water tanks, fire station and hospital, despite difficult conditions and flare-ups that continued into the evening.
In a report from the goFPA Incident Commander, it was confirmed that the fire lines above the town of Caledon are still burning but present no immediate threat to the town itself. Teams continue to mop up the active lines and are working towards securing the area.
A call for continued preparedness
Both the Overstrand Municipality and the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association have urged residents, particularly those in fire-prone areas, to remain prepared for the worst. As the weather conditions remain unpredictable, fire authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
“The fire is far from under control, and we will continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of all affected areas,” concluded O’Neill. “Residents should follow all instructions from local authorities and remain vigilant at all times.”
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