Fire Services had a challenging night as the fire in Wemmershoek, Franschhoek continues to burn out of control. Image:Franna Smiley Lombard/ Cape Winelands DM/ Facebook Firefighters across the Western Cape endured another punishing night as multiple wildfires continued to burn across the province, threatening farms, homes, infrastructure and wildlife, while emergency services and humanitarian organisations worked to contain the damage. The most recent blaze continues to burn out of control in Wemmershoek, where the Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services reported a challenging night.
The fire, first reported on Wednesday and originating in the Langrug area, spread rapidly down the mountain, threatening farms along the Wemmershoek Road (R301). Firefighting efforts, including aerial resources, focused primarily on structure protection. Officials said the fire later shifted back toward the R45, where recognised firefighting techniques, including backburns, were implemented.
One structure was destroyed, another damaged and a tractor lost, although no injuries were reported. A reconnaissance flight was scheduled for Sunday morning to assess the extent of the fire and guide ongoing operations. Authorities warned the public not to interfere with firefighting efforts, stressing that all operations are being conducted under a formal Incident Command System.
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In the Overstrand, fires in Pearly Beach and Stanford remained active but showed signs of progress. Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill said the Pearly Beach fire entered its eighth day with the left flank contained and mop-up operations under way, while the right flank was expected to burn out against an old burn scar. “There are no active fire lines at this stage, and there is no threat to houses,” O’Neill said, warning that dense alien vegetation and strong winds could still trigger flare-ups.
The Stanford fire, now in its fifth day, remained difficult due to inaccessible terrain where active fire lines persist. All major roads, including the R43, remained open but could close at short notice.
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