Staff Reporter|Published1 hour agoFranschhoek Pass closed as teams combat active wildfire

Firefighting operations continued in the mountains above Franschhoek on Friday as crews worked to contain an active wildfire that flared dangerously close to properties overnight. Intense firefighting operations are underway in the mountains above Franschhoek as crews battle an active wildfire that has dangerously approached residential properties. The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services, working alongside partner agencies, said the fire line on the right-hand side of the Franschhoek Pass — when travelling towards Villiersdorp — was pushed towards farms and guest houses in the early hours of the morning.

Firefighting teams responded swiftly and, through sustained effort, managed to force the fire back into the mountainous terrain. This prevented the blaze from crossing the pass into new areas and ensured the protection of nearby properties. The fire remains active on the right-hand, Theewaterskloof side of the pass and continues to burn on the Overberg side.

The Franschhoek Pass remains closed to traffic. Teams will be deployed to all accessible areas, with operations focused on bringing the active fire line under control. Ground crews are continuing with monitoring and mopping-up operations in other affected areas. The municipality’s Fire Services, together with partners CapeNature and the Winelands FPA, extended their thanks to farmers and agri-workers who assisted during the night.