The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services had to struggle to fight fires in the valley for the second week in a row. The fires were fuelled by the extremely hot temperatures and lightning. Two fires occurred in the mountains between Worcester, Robertson, and Touws River at the weekend.
According to the CWDM press release on Tuesday at 15:00, the fires at Agtervink River in Robertson and Pienaar’s Kloof in Touws River were still burning out of control.
“Firefighting activities are being hampered by difficult mountain terrain, making access difficult. A fuel load made up of old indigenous and mixed vegetation, high temperatures, exacerbating the heat of the ground, making flare-ups more likely.”
This means that teams sometimes need to return to areas that were previously contained. . Changing wind direction, causing coals to reignite, or pushing the fire line into a new area.
According to the CWDM all available resources from Ceres, Worcester and Robertson were deployed.
It added that there were an average of 60 personnel and two helicopters providing air support.
“At this stage firefighting activities will continue throughout the night. The fire teams have reported no injuries and despite the immense challenges, have managed to protect all properties. It is estimated the fires will continue for at least the next 24 hours. Teams are able to communicate with one another only via radio and must drive some distance before being within cellphone range. The various teams will meet in the morning to discuss planning and resource deployment for the next cycle,” said the municipality.
It said for this reason, and unless the situation changes, the next update would take place only at 09:00 on Wednesday morning.
The fire crews extended their thanks to the Montagu Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services, landowners and community members in both areas for their continued support.
