Firefighters combat wildfires threatening the Western Cape from Winelands to coast

Firefighters across the Western Cape endured another punishing night as multiple wildfires continued to burn across the province, threatening farms, homes, infrastructure and wildlife, while emergency services and humanitarian organisations worked to contain the damage.

The most recent blaze continues to burn out of control in Wemmershoek, where the Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services reported a challenging night. The fire, first reported on Wednesday and originating in the Langrug area, spread rapidly down the mountain, threatening farms along the Wemmershoek Road (R301).

Firefighting efforts, including aerial resources, focused primarily on structure protection. Officials said the fire later shifted back toward the R45, where recognised firefighting techniques, including backburns, were implemented. One structure was destroyed, another damaged and a tractor lost, although no injuries were reported.

A reconnaissance flight was scheduled for Sunday morning to assess the extent of the fire and guide ongoing operations. Authorities warned the public not to interfere with firefighting efforts, stressing that all operations are being conducted under a formal Incident Command System.

In the Overstrand, fires in Pearly Beach and Stanford remained active but showed signs of progress. Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill said the Pearly Beach fire entered its eighth day with the left flank contained and mop-up operations under way, while the right flank was expected to burn out against an old burn scar.

“There are no active fire lines at this stage, and there is no threat to houses,” O’Neill said, warning that dense alien vegetation and strong winds could still trigger flare-ups. The Stanford fire, now in its fifth day, remained difficult due to inaccessible terrain where active fire lines persist. All major roads, including the R43, remained open but could close at short notice.

Animal rescue efforts continued alongside firefighting operations, with the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa confirming its teams have been working around the clock. “We have witnessed heartbreaking scenes – wildlife severely affected by the fire – yet we continue to search tirelessly for survivors and provide help wherever possible,” the organisation said.

Earlier this week, a fast-moving wildfire broke out in farming areas outside Mossel Bay, spreading on January 6,  into Aalwyndal, Island View and Vakansieplaas amid gale-force winds. The Mossel Bay Municipality said the response involved a multi-agency operation, with firefighters supported by traffic and law enforcement officials assisting with access control and frontline duties.

Beyond the Western Cape, Gift of the Givers confirmed it had intervened in the Kouga Municipality after being requested to assist with three major fires burning between Koukamma, St Francis Bay, Paradise Beach, Kabeljous and Jeffrey’s Bay. Founder Imtiaz Sooliman said evacuations were under way and that air support was urgently needed. “The situation is too risky for the 65 firefighters to intervene decisively without air support,” he said.

The fires have also disrupted electricity supply, with Eskom confirming that Franschhoek, Wemmershoek, Dunoon and parts of the Overberg remain without power. Meanwhile, CapeNature urged the public not to interfere with wildlife affected by fires, warning that removing animals without authorisation is unlawful, even when done with good intentions.

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Cape Argus