The scorching hot temperatures expected this week are likely to cause more veld fires in the Cape Winelands region following seven days of non-stop fires sweeping across the area. While the cooler weather at the start of the week have made it possible to extinguish some fires, it is too soon to celebrate.
Infrastructure, land and houses have been damaged in the fires which started on Monday, 22 January in the Wolseley area. By this past weekend, the fire had spread to Bains Kloof near Wellington and Fairy Glen near Worcester.
With temperatures expected to hit the 40 degrees mark on Thursday and Friday in areas like Paarl, the reemergence of veld fires cannot be ruled out.
Wind worsens conditions
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service had issued a level 2 warning in the Western Cape with damaging winds resulting in the spread of runaway fires.
Agri Western Cape chief executive officer Jannie Strydom said despite the valiant efforts of firefighters and the local community, the fire has caused minor damage to infrastructure, orchards and vineyards in the area.
According to Strydom, the reports they received was that the mountainous landscapes have suffered more extensively with reports of significant damage.
He said complicating the firefighting efforts were challenging wind conditions that made it exceedingly difficult to contain the flames.
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Communities stand together
“Communities are really sticking together at the moment, and Agri Western Cape would like to thank every firefighter, farmer, agri worker, and other members of the community that are working tirelessly to combat fires,” Strydom said.
Premier Alan Winde have called for all community members to play an active role in ensuring that the fires are contained and do not cause further damage.
“I am extremely grateful to the dedicated teams who have been on the ground fighting this huge fire. From firefighters, to volunteers, and every single member of the community who have stepped up,” he said.
Meanwhile, Drakenstein Farm Watch chief executive officer Daam Van Leeuwen Boomkamp said that fires that had plagued areas such as Paarl were distinguished due to the collaborative work with other stakeholders.
He explained that 4×4 fire trucks and water canons as well as 4×4 tankers and cruisers played a major role in preventing a catastrophe of fire jumping into Paarl Arboretum.
“A fast-spreading veld fire starting on Klein Parys vineyards in Paarl, quickly turned into a huge threat for the municipal arboretum and neighboring farms.
“Drakenstein Farm Watch got the request to contain the fire by the farm owner, and three Drakenstein Farm Watch 4×4 fire trucks and one cruiser responded. On site, the teams met the Drakenstein Municipality fire brigade, but the terrain was only accessible by 4×4 hence the request to assist,” he said.
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