Cederberg wildfire 80% contained, but thousands of hectares still at risk

While large sections of the fire are contained, multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain. A massive wildfire has been raging through the Cederberg Mountains, having scorched over 34,000 hectares since it ignited on Monday last week. While significant portions of the fire have been contained, it remains a serious threat, with several active fire lines still ablaze in steep and inaccessible terrain.

The flames have moved through Algeria, Driehoek, Kromrivier, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal. CapeNature said no lives have been lost and no homes have been destroyed. Damage has been limited to a wooden cottage and a caravan at Driehoek, and no structures are currently 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.

[paywall]

Ground crews remain active between Kromrivier, Gonnafontein, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal, monitoring and protecting properties. Firefighting is also ongoing around Maraisberg and between Citrusdal and Niewoudtspas,

[/paywall]