CAPE WINELANDS – Fire crews have made good progress in containing a mountain fire above La Plaisir Wine Estate, but firefighting operations remain ongoing as teams continue to monitor hot spots and difficult areas high on the mountain.

The fire, reported at 11:20 on Friday 18 September, comes as firefighters warn that the wildfire season appears to have started earlier than expected, with DFW Fire & Rescue NPC urging communities to prepare for potentially difficult conditions.

Crews battle flames amid strong winds

The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire Services said fire vehicles and crews worked throughout the night alongside ground teams from NCC, CapeNature and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), as well as partners from the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA).

Despite flames reaching up to three metres, difficult terrain and strong winds, teams managed to prevent the fire from spreading into nearby orchards and vineyards.

The municipality said winds subsided late on Friday night, while cooler conditions allowed firefighting teams to make better progress.

However, several areas remain very hot and could flare up, requiring continued monitoring and mopping-up operations.

Fire line remains inaccessible in mountain areas

CWDM Fire Services said a number of areas high on the mountain peaks remain a concern.

A change in wind direction or an increase in fire intensity, driven by the available fuel load, could cause the fire line to move towards high-value properties.

The municipality said the fire line in these areas is currently inaccessible to ground teams.

Fire crews and ground teams will continue monitoring the affected areas and carrying out mopping-up operations throughout the day, with the next update expected at 16:00.

DFW warns communities not to wait for help

DFW Fire & Rescue NPC says its fire season awareness campaign has already been under way for several weeks.

The organisation said a fire in the Simonduim area on Thursday was an early indication of the conditions communities could face this season, despite 62mm of rain being recorded over five days.

“Who would have thought, that with all the rain 62mm the last five days, that we would see the fire scenario which fits mid February,” DFW said.

The organisation said it had anticipated an early start to the fire season and had launched its “first 15 minutes” awareness programme to encourage communities to prepare before a fire occurs.

“Fire is going to be on the menu as it seems, and we better make it a joint effort,” DFW said.

DFW said its experience of responding to more than 1 500 fires over 13 years had reinforced the importance of rapid action when a fire is first detected.

‘The first 15 minutes’ can be crucial

According to DFW, early information, rapid mobilisation and the right equipment can give firefighters a better chance of containing a blaze before it becomes a major incident.

“The first response does not begin when a fire engine arrives. It begins with the person who sees the smoke,” the organisation said.

DFW is urging farmers, businesses, estate managers and residents to check access routes, water supplies and communications ahead of the fire season.

It also encourages property owners to participate in practical fire-readiness sessions and ensure staff and family members know what to do when a fire starts.

“Because the first 15 minutes, you are the first responder,” DFW said.

The organisation said communities, firefighting services and property owners would need to work together as the fire season progresses.

The CWDM Fire Services said crews would remain on the La Plaisir fire throughout the day to monitor the situation and conduct mopping-up operations.

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