News24 | Wind dies down as firefighters continue to battle Witzenberg Valley, McGregor blazes

Cape Winelands firefighters are battling multiple blazes in the Western Cape.

A fire in Visgat and Rocklands in the Witzenberg Valley was burning out of control on Monday morning after it flared up again, according to the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM).

It was one of several fires in the Western Cape, which has endured strong winds for several days.

After a night of firefighting, a blaze high up in the McGregor mountains continued to burn in a broken line on Monday morning.

The Cape Winelands municipality firefighters are monitoring the situation, and there is no threat to property, CWDM spokesperson Jo Anne Otto said in an update issued after sunrise on Monday.

“Ground crews and fire teams worked throughout the night in windy conditions. This morning, the wind has died down, and teams are hopeful that they will contain this line. Teams will continue with firefighting, monitoring, and mopping-up operations,” she added.

A fire in the Matroosberg above Swaarmoed Pass, which was caused by lightning, has been fully contained.

Teams reported that there were no active flames since around 22:00. A ground team will continue with monitoring and mopping-up operations on Monday.

Teams battling another fire in Langeberg stood down late on Sunday night, after the fire line in the Goat’s Window and Melozhori areas was fully contained, Otto added.

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In Tulbagh, CWDM Fire Services teams, together with a Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) team, contained a flare-up that occurred on Sunday evening.

“The VWS team was able to stand down by 04:00, while the CWDM team will continue to monitor for possible flare-ups in this area,” Otto added.

News24 previously reported that authorities have warned the Western Cape could see a higher number of wildfires this summer, as above-average temperatures are expected to increase the risk across the province.

Based on the South African Weather Service’s seasonal outlook and recent projections, fire-danger indices have already shown extremely high readings in parts of the interior.

The forecast suggests warm, dry spells with intermittent high wind events this season – conditions that favour rapid fire spread.