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Devastating Fire Destroys Wine and Guest Farms in Paarl, South Africa

Two guest farms in Paarl, South Africa, have been destroyed by fires currently raging through the Helderberg and Paarl region, fuelled by strong winds and high temperatures in the mid-30s. The main house and restaurant at Augusta Kleinbosch guest farm has reportedly been burnt down and this morning Stellenbosch winemaker Alexandra Mcfarlane reported that Druk My […]

By SAPeople
18-12-20 10:43
in Eish!

Two guest farms in Paarl, South Africa, have been destroyed by fires currently raging through the Helderberg and Paarl region, fuelled by strong winds and high temperatures in the mid-30s.

The main house and restaurant at Augusta Kleinbosch guest farm has reportedly been burnt down and this morning Stellenbosch winemaker Alexandra Mcfarlane reported that Druk My Niet wine farm and self-catering cottages have been destroyed.

Mcfarlane said: “A devastating fire has swept through our farm and destroyed our vineyards, cellar and houses. The owners and foreman and family have been displaced and have lost everything…”

Mcfarlane said “everyone is safe” but reached out for assistance (see below).

Just as officials were inspecting the cost of the damage from last week’s 600 (!) fires in Somerset West and Grabauw – expected to reach approximately R60 million – strong gale force winds yesterday evening (see video below) reignited the #HelderbergFire on the mountains, and Capetonians have awoken to smoky skies and “snowing ash”.

According to Cape Town’s Chief Fire officer Ian Schnetler – two helicopters and two fixed-wing water bombers were dispatched to the remote higher areas yesterday, but extremely strong winds have worsened the situation.

South African Police Services (SAPS) has launched an investigation into the cause of the fires which have so far burned about 10,000 hectares and destroyed several properties, including Bezweni Lodge in Sir Lowry’s Village.

Authorities believe some of the fires may have been deliberately begun.

Invasive plants have also been blamed for fuelling the fire. “Landowners who have not managed invasive alien plants on their properties must be held accountable for that impact on the fires that have ravaged areas around Somerset West,” says Dr Guy Preston, Deputy Director-General in the Department of Environmental Affairs, responsible for the Working on Fire and Working for Water programmes.

Last week Vergelegen Wines reported over 40% of its 3,000 ha farm had burned… but fortunately no buildings were damaged.

Firefighters are currently battling flames on the slopes of the Lourensford Estate.

This morning Mcfarlane said: “Our clean up will be tedious and trying. Please contact me directly if you wish to support our Foreman and his family. Their clothes and other belongings were incinerated. Contact me on alex@dmnwines.co.za, they could really do with support. Please share.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPEkNR6D60L/

View/Listen to strong winds in Cape Town last night:

Tags: Fire Paarl South Africa wildfires