News24 | Firefighters make headway as wildfire rages in Cape Winelands mountains

Firefighters have made significant progress containing a wildfire in the mountains above Plaisir Wine Estate near Simondium, Cape Winelands.

Supplied by CWDM

Firefighters have made significant progress in containing a wildfire that broke out in the mountains above Plaisir Wine Estate near Simondium in the Cape Winelands.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services said firefighting operations were continuing on Saturday after the blaze was reported at about 11:20 on Friday.

Fire crews and ground teams from the municipality, NCC Wildfires, CapeNature and Volunteer Wildfire Services, supported by the Winelands Fire Protection Association, worked throughout the night, said municipal spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto.

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

Firefighters have made significant progress in containing a wildfire in the mountains above La Plaisir Wine Estate near Simondium in the Cape Winelands.

Supplied by CWDM

Otto said firefighters made better progress after the wind subsided late on Friday and temperatures dropped.

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

She said some areas high on the mountain peaks remain a concern because they are inaccessible to ground teams. A change in wind direction or increased fire intensity, driven by the available fuel load, could push the fire line towards high-value properties, Otto warned.

Fire crews will continue to monitor the affected areas and conduct mopping-up operations throughout Saturday.