Winelands blazes rage on as heat, hostile terrain hamper firefighters

The Cape Winelands County Fire Department was still fighting fires that broke out in two locations over the weekend as of Monday afternoon.

The fire department said Monday afternoon that the fire – which broke out on Saturday night – broke out as a result a lightning strike at Agter-Vinkrivier in the Robertson Valley – not yet contained.

“Progress is hampered by the combination of difficult, inaccessible terrain and heat. There are four ground teams, each with 10 crew members, and air support stationed in the area,” the fire department said.

The previously contained Koo Valley fire flared up on the Robertson/Montague side. The firefighters were assisted by landowners in the area.

“Firefighting activities are focused on areas of the fire that pose a threat to property.”

The fire department indicated that their firefighters did so Also on Sunday evening in the Touwsriver Hills a fire started by lightning was tackled.

“Fire-fighting teams from our Worcester, Ceres and Robertson fire stations were deployed. Active firefighting is underway. There are now six vehicles with a crew of 12 on site.”