Cape Town - Firefighters are currently battling three fires in the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) and will be working throughout the night to bring them under control.
In an update on Wednesday afternoon, the CWDM’s fire services said teams were battling fires in Brandvlei, Worcester, Phase 4 in the town of PA Hamlet outside Ceres, and Robertson and Ashton, in the Langeberg region.
Firefighting teams had a challenging day in Brandvlei following a flare-up at lunch time, caused by strong winds and fuelling flames to new areas as the fire burned out of control.
“Air support and further ground teams were deployed,” the CWDM said.
Despite the challenges that the difficult terrain, hot weather and windy conditions presented, good progress was made and by late afternoon two fire lines remained.
“Teams will most likely continue with active fire fighting activities throughout the night. Eight fire vehicles and crew, assisted by three ground crews from NCC remain on scene.
“At this stage no injuries or loss of property has been reported,” CWDM said.
Due to its proximity to homes, air support was diverted from the fire in Worcester to Phase 4, where water bombing continued.
There are currently two firefighting vehicles and crew from the CWDM supported by a ground crew of ten members, two Hueys, choppers Whiskey and Tango and two vehicles and crew from Witzenberg Municipality responding to the scene.
“Teams are hopeful that they will bring the fire under control later today, but are preparing to work through the night if required.”
The team from the CWDM station in Robertson meanwhile responded to a fire in the veld behind Nqubela in Robertson.
“Together with fire crews from Langeberg Municipality they successfully brought the fire under control. The ground teams managed to dampen the ground, before being deployed to a second fire in Ashton on Wednesday afternoon.
“The Ashton fire is situated close to Ashton Canning and the railroad close to the river. Multiple teams from CWDM and Langeberg Fire Services have responded.
“Firefighters, ground crews and pilots are working very long hours to bring these fires under control, we pray for their safety during the night,” the CWDM said.
Cape Times