Firefighters on high alert as wildfires threaten Cape Town and the Winelands

A firefighter was injured, and homes evacuated as a precautionary measure on Saturday evening in Da Gama Park as a result of a fire in Dido Valley, north of Simon's Town.

Firefighters in Cape Town and the Winelands District Municipality had their hands full tackling fires over the weekend.

City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said that at around 6pm, they received calls of vegetation alight in the Dido Valley area.

“Upon arrival, the officer immediately assessed the situation and called for additional resources as it appeared that the property could be in danger. As a result, the Incident Management Team (IMT) Type 3 was activated.

“An Incident Command post had been set up at Simon’s Town Fire Station to coordinate the response to the fire that broke out. The strong South-Easterly wind was fanning the flames, and the fire area had been divided into three divisions.”

Carelse said resources were strategically placed to protect properties in Da Gama Park. The SA Navy Fire, NCC Environmental Services and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) were on site to help.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said staff monitored the situation to determine what, if any, additional measures were required and that they had requested that residents take precautionary measures like keeping windows and doors closed to mitigate the risk of any health impacts and to keep pets indoors.

Yesterday morning, Carelse said the fire was brought under control.

“At around 5am, after tireless work from all firefighters, the blaze was brought under control. The only area that has a few hot spots is in the vicinity of Gleneagle Road.

“The other areas are being monitored. We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Navy, NCC and VWS for their unwavering support. No property was damaged during this incident. A firefighter was injured; however did not require medical attention.

“The incident has now been scaled down to an IMT Type 5, and only a few resources remain on scene.”

Earlier this month, the City said Cape Town faces a range of fire risks, with vegetation fires being more prevalent as a result of hot, dry and windy weather conditions in the summer.

Meanwhile, the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services, together with CapeNature and the Winelands FPA, and with the support of various landowners and voluntary groups, were engaged in active firefighting at several fires in the district.

The municipality said that there were two active fire areas, Witzenberg Valley – Visgat and Rocky Mountain, Langeberg – Goat’s Window and Melozhori (Stormsvlei), and tending to newly active lines in McGregor / Genadendal, and Matroosberg – Above the Swaermoed Pass (Witzenberg).

“The fire in the Visgat and Rocky Mountain areas has been mostly contained. Ground crews and fire teams will remain on the broken fire line throughout the night for firefighting, monitoring and mopping-up operations.

“The fire line in the Goat’s Window and Melozhori area, which was previously contained, reignited during the night. There was also a flare-up on a different line in the area that required urgent attention.

“By afternoon, the fire line in the Goat’s Window and Melozhori areas had been fully contained. Teams are continuing with mopping-up operations,” the municipality said.

“A fire on the Genadendal side of the mountains above McGregor has crossed into the Cape Winelands area and is burning in alien vegetation on the high peaks. Teams are monitoring the situation, and there is currently no threat to property.

“The fire line above the Swaermoed Pass (Witzenberg) is burning very high in the mountains. Although the current threat level is minimal, teams have been deployed. There is some concern that should the wind change direction, the fire could be fuelled onto property.”

Cape Times