Home » Eight Fires Spread Across the Western Cape Today as Winds Rage

Eight Fires Spread Across the Western Cape Today as Winds Rage

CAPE TOWN – Over 100 firefighters, two spotters, two choppers, two fixed wing air tractor bombers have been assisting at eight fires spread across the Western Cape today, according to Working on Fire (WoF). Huge clouds of smoke were seen over Cape Town as strong winds drove smoke and flames from Elgin Valley over the Sir […]

By SAPeople
04-01-17 11:38
in Eish!

CAPE TOWN – Over 100 firefighters, two spotters, two choppers, two fixed wing air tractor bombers have been assisting at eight fires spread across the Western Cape today, according to Working on Fire (WoF). Huge clouds of smoke were seen over Cape Town as strong winds drove smoke and flames from Elgin Valley over the Sir Lowry’s Pass towards Somerset West.

Source: VWS – Fires viewed from Grabouw (Photo by David Morris)

Although it was cooler today than yesterday, it was extremely windy. In an update an hour ago, WoF said the fires are at: Bestweni Estate, Mouton’s Hoek Village, Kleinmond, Hawequa Plantation, Klip op mekaar, Dutoitskloof Lodge (Worcester side), Boskloof Estate and Hansekop. 

At 16h30, Volunteers Wildfire Services (VWS) reported its crew has been deployed to join crews from WoF, Cape Nature and MTO to fight a large wildfire at Hans-se-Kop, Grabouw.

The fire raging in Boskloof Estate, Somerset West, is also apparently large. Cape Town City Fire is on the scene and aerial resources are mobile as well.

Amanda Rose, who is in the vicinity, told SAPeople: “I have watched the fire in the Helderberg area, Somerset West from Rome Glen to Wedderwill Estate in Sir Lowry’s Pass. It’s still ongoing.”

Hout Bay resident Heidi Loubser wrote on Facebook: “Just driven past on the N2. Fire still raging in this wind. Be safe out there guys, you have a massive task ahead!”

The public is urged to let emergency vehicles through and allow fire crews to do their work.

Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (FPA) said of the Kleinmond Fire that it had reached the top of the mountain. The FPA said: “Status out of control. Aerial resources & ground team fighting bravely.” 

UPDATE: Bezweni Lodge burns in Somerset West Fire

UPDATE 2: Incredible photos as firefighters battle to contain Somerset West Fires

Source: VWS – Fires viewed from Somerset West (Photo by Bradley Bennell)
Source: FB. Photo by Heidi Loubser.
Source FB/Heidi Loubser – ” Just driven past on the N2. Fire still raging in this wind. Be safe out there guys, you have a massive task ahead!”
Photo by Nicolene Becker. Source: FB