Multiple fires continue to rage throughout the Cape Winelands while firefighters are hard at work to contain the flames.
At 14:30 on Sunday (23 November), the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) reported the breakout of multiple fires. These include the Matroosberg fire above the Swaermoed Pass in the Witzenberg area.
According to CWDM, efforts between CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA) are ongoing to extinguish the blaze. The latest active fire lines include the McGregor and Genadendal area.
“A fire on the Genadendal side of the mountains above McGregor has crossed into the Cape Winelands area and is burning in alien vegetation on the high peaks. Teams are monitoring the situation and there is currently no threat to property,” announced CWDM in a press statement.
The Matroosberg fire is burning very high in the mountains. However, the threat level is minimal.
Authorities are monitoring the wind behaviour to protect nearby properties.
Fire lines that have been contained include the Witzenberg Valley Visgat and Rocklands area.
“The fire in the Visdagt and Rocky Mountain areas has been mostly contained. Ground crews and fire teams will remain on the fire line throughout the night for firefighting, monitoring and mopping-up operations.”
Meanwhile, the fire line in the Goat’s Windom and Melozhori areas within the Langeberg region has been fully contained.
Teams are now continuing with mopping-up operations.
With the fire season in full swing, the CWDM has welcomed 27 firefighters, who graduated on Saturday (22 November) at the Ysterplaat Air Force base.
