Eight Fires Spread Across the Western Cape Today as Winds Rage
CAPE TOWN – Over 100 firefighters, two spotters, two choppers, two fixed wing air tractor bombers have been assisting at eight fires spread across the Western Cape today, according to Working on Fire (WoF). Huge clouds of smoke were seen over Cape Town as strong winds drove smoke and flames from Elgin Valley over the Sir […]
CAPE TOWN – Over 100 firefighters, two spotters, two choppers, two fixed wing air tractor bombers have been assisting at eight fires spread across the Western Cape today, according to Working on Fire (WoF). Huge clouds of smoke were seen over Cape Town as strong winds drove smoke and flames from Elgin Valley over the Sir Lowry’s Pass towards Somerset West.
Although it was cooler today than yesterday, it was extremely windy. In an update an hour ago, WoF said the fires are at: Bestweni Estate, Mouton’s Hoek Village, Kleinmond, Hawequa Plantation, Klip op mekaar, Dutoitskloof Lodge (Worcester side), Boskloof Estate and Hansekop.
At 16h30, Volunteers Wildfire Services (VWS) reported its crew has been deployed to join crews from WoF, Cape Nature and MTO to fight a large wildfire at Hans-se-Kop, Grabouw.
The fire raging in Boskloof Estate, Somerset West, is also apparently large. Cape Town City Fire is on the scene and aerial resources are mobile as well.
Amanda Rose, who is in the vicinity, told SAPeople: “I have watched the fire in the Helderberg area, Somerset West from Rome Glen to Wedderwill Estate in Sir Lowry’s Pass. It’s still ongoing.”
Hout Bay resident Heidi Loubser wrote on Facebook: “Just driven past on the N2. Fire still raging in this wind. Be safe out there guys, you have a massive task ahead!”
The public is urged to let emergency vehicles through and allow fire crews to do their work.
Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (FPA) said of the Kleinmond Fire that it had reached the top of the mountain. The FPA said: “Status out of control. Aerial resources & ground team fighting bravely.”
UPDATE: Bezweni Lodge burns in Somerset West Fire
UPDATE 2: Incredible photos as firefighters battle to contain Somerset West Fires
Large #wildfire burning in Boskloof Estate, @Somerset_West. @cptfrs are on scene and aerial resources are mobile as well. #GoodLuck to crews pic.twitter.com/wC7r2g5ppS
— VWS Wildfires (@vwsfires) January 3, 2017
Aerial resources hard at work at the Boskloof Fire in @Somerset_West. Other resources working in #DuToitsKloof. pic.twitter.com/1KOtQjWssk
— VWS Wildfires (@vwsfires) January 3, 2017
CALL OUT RECEIVED: #Jonkershoek Station has been called to assist with #wildfire in Grabouw area. #HansekopFire Good luck team. pic.twitter.com/uyXvcwJfpl
— VWS Wildfires (@vwsfires) January 3, 2017
@vwsfires View of the fire from Strand #helderbergfire pic.twitter.com/uZTqNzWvkm
— Synthia Woodcock (@snaxalottle) January 3, 2017
New fires break out in the Western Cape https://t.co/MscohoZFLZ Committed to #SavingLives & #ProtectingTheEnvironment
Image: Boskloof #Fire pic.twitter.com/rGOdJN0iCX— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) January 3, 2017
100 firefighters, 2 spotters, 2 choppers, 2 fixed wing air tractor bombers assisting at 5 fires spread in t/ WChttps://t.co/TwUop8fpND pic.twitter.com/XsvYwugXgj
— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) January 3, 2017
Seeing smoke? Need help? Know who to call… Programme these vital emergency numbers into your phone now. @KFMza pic.twitter.com/j3TgeWoy8j
— VWS Wildfires (@vwsfires) January 3, 2017