Cederberg wildfire: 34,000 hectares scorched despite containment efforts

A massive wildfire continues to rip through the Cederberg mountains, scorching more than 34,000 hectares since it started on Monday last week.

Large sections of the fire were contained, but multiple active fire lines were still burning in steep and hard-to-reach terrain.

The flames moved through Algeria, Driehoek, Kromrivier, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal.

CapeNature said no lives were lost and no homes destroyed. Damage was limited to a wooden cottage and a caravan at Driehoek, and no structures were under immediate threat.

The agency described the past week as “exceptionally demanding”.

It also praised the “remarkable co-operation and resilience shown by firefighting agencies, local communities and neighbours working together under challenging conditions".

"While large sections of the fire are contained, the fire is not yet fully contained, and multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain," CapeNature said.

Ground crews remained active between Kromrivier, Gonnafontein, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal, monitoring and protecting properties.

Firefighting was also ongoing around Maraisberg and between Citrusdal and Niewoudtspas.

The firefighters use direct firefighting, monitoring, and controlled burn-outs along firebreaks and jeep tracks to prevent further spread.

CapeNature, the West Coast District Municipality, and the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association are leading operations, with support from Working on Fire (WOF) and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS).

The Cape Winelands District Municipality has also joined the effort.

The agency stressed the importance of well-maintained access roads and firebreaks.

“Cleared defensible space around homes is critical, as dense vegetation and large trees near buildings increase risk, especially when fires jump into thick fuel close to structures,” it said.

Cape Times