While firefighting efforts are continuing in Kluitjieskraal in Wolseley – where a devastating wildfire has been raging for five days – authorities have cautioned that the blaze could spread towards the Bainskloof mountain pass near Wellington.
In an update by the Cape Winelands District Municipality on Friday (26 January) the municipality said the situation high on the slopes of the mountain leading toward Bainskloof is the area that is causing the most concern.
It says crews are actively engaged in the protection of property situated on the mountain side.
“The fire is situated high on the mountain, above the Calabash Bush Pub, however, the fire line is still spreading and there are concerns that it may run into Bainskloof proper.”
There are currently firefighting 124 personnel involved in the fire, supported by 3 Helicopters and 12 firefighting vehicles.
The municipality say although the pass is currently open to traffic, water bombing is causing a lot of smoke which may lead to the unexpected closure to traffic.
It is advised that for their own safety, commuters make use of an alternative route.
“The fire services are advising that homeowners in the area, clear any lose brush/dead branches from around structures and turn on sprayers and water hoses to keep the structure and surrounding areas as wet as possible.
“The second fire line on the Saron side of the mountain, burning toward Elandsberg Nature Reserve continues to burn in spots but is moving slowly and is being closely monitored.”
There are teams engaged in monitoring and mopping-up activities in the areas where fires have been contained. Flare-ups have been frequent due to the extreme heat.
Cape Winelands District Municipality has extend its deep thanks to all those who have donated goods to assist firefighting teams.
Meanwhile News24 reports that some Wolseley residents were evacuated on Thursday night due to the fire.
Cape Winelands District Municipality spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto said a change in wind direction late on Thursday afternoon had resulted in a challenging night for firefighters.
She said “the fire, which was situated in the Suurvlakte area, split into two lines, one line on the Wolseley side of the Obiqua Mountain (also known as the Watervalberg) and another on the Wellington side.
“The fire on the Wolseley side in the Verrekyker area, just above Kluitjieskraal, moved rapidly toward agricultural land containing a variety of structures, including formal and informal homes. Residents were evacuated as a precaution.”
Otto said one home and a car were destroyed.
Residents have been able to return to their homes.
