Severe fires in the Western Cape lead to property destruction and displacement

Several Western Cape municipalities had their hands full over the weekend battling severe fire conditions, which destroyed properties, land and left several residents displaced.

In the Theewaterskloof Municipality, firefighting operations had continued throughout the night following severe fire conditions experienced on Saturday when a fire broke out on the N2 at Myddelton, before the Caledon Casino.

Just before midday on Saturday, the municipality said the situation had stabilised, with containment achieved in key areas, and active monitoring and mop-up operations remaining in place.

“The main fire front has been brought under control. Isolated flare-ups were recorded near Tuinsig and behind Caledon Casino, with backburning successfully completed to strengthen fire lines. Fire activity extended into the Nature Garden area, where crews remain on active patrol,” they said.

“Bulk water infrastructure is not under immediate threat and continues to be closely monitored.”

Regarding the Tesselaarsdal fire, the Great Overberg FPA said that it is out of control. The Overstrand Municipality said that its Fire Services are supporting the Overberg District Municipality.

"Overstrand firefighters, as well as traffic and law enforcement officials, remain on high alert. Three main objectives have been set for this operational period, aimed at: Controlling the fire lines to prevent spread towards the Stanford Hills area; Blocking the head of the fire threatening the Hemel-en-Aarde area; and protecting structures.

"Additional ground teams have been deployed. As previously communicated, landowners are urged to continue preparations and remain ready.”

The Garden Route District Municipality has had their hands full containing the wildfire in Aasvoëlberg, Albertinia. The municipality also stressed the difference between contained and extinguished.

“Contained means there is no further spread of the fire; however, hotspots and hot areas remain and are actively being addressed. Extinguished means no hotspots are detected for a continuous period of 48–72 hours, including along the outer perimeter of the fire.

“Garden Route District Municipality Fire & Rescue Services, Hessequa Municipality Fire and Rescue Services (with specific focus on areas near infrastructure), Working on Fire, and Albertinia Farm Watch will be working in unison on the ground today to verify and mop up hotspots along the western flank of the fire, approximately 1km from Albertinia, during this operational period (07h00–19h00),” they said.

“It is important to note that the fire area, like many others, is heavily infested with alien invasive plants, has insufficient fire breaks, and limited vehicle access. These factors make ground firefighting extremely challenging, particularly when strong winds prevail.”

The Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services had a busy weekend battling two fires, most notably, the fire at the Laborie Estate in Paarl. The municipality stated that mop-up operations are continuing after the fire was successfully contained on Saturday.

The fire broke out at Laborie Estate shortly after midday. Initially, it required support from Stellenbosch Municipality, Cape Winelands District Municipality, the Fire Protection Association (FPA), and DFW Fire & Rescue NPC.

“Two structures — the Cucina Di Giovanni restaurant and the first wing of the accommodation facilities — were destroyed earlier in the incident. The historic Manor House and the second accommodation wing were successfully protected and are now out of danger.

“FPA deployed helicopters assisted ground crews with aerial water drops during the containment phase. The cause of the fire is still unknown at this stage. An investigation will be conducted once mop-up operations have been completed,” they said.

The municipality also had its Fire and Rescue Services battle a fire in Mbekweni, at approximately 21:00 on Saturday, with multiple informal structures ablaze.

“The fire caused significant structural damage, destroying around 40 informal dwellings. Emergency teams acted swiftly to contain the fire and assist affected residents.

“Relief and recovery efforts have been activated. Care and support services are currently providing humanitarian assistance to families who have lost their homes, and municipal teams have commenced cleanup operations,” they said.

Chief Wynand Els, Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire Chief, confirmed that the municipality is working to secure essential support for those affected. He stated that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and that an investigation will follow.

One person sustained injuries during the incident and received treatment for burn wounds and smoke inhalation. Chief Els urged residents to practice safe fire handling at all times and to report any fires immediately to the municipality.

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za