Western Cape faces wildfires and flooding as emergency services respond

Flooded roadway during severe overnight weather as emergency services remain on high alert across the Western Cape. The Western Cape continues to grapple with extreme weather conditions as emergency services dealt with wildfires, flooding and emerging water supply pressures across multiple regions, with reports released following a busy weekend and Sunday for response teams across the province. Firefighters have successfully contained a mountain fire in Tulbagh, while disaster management teams remain on high alert in parts of the Overstrand following heavy rainfall and flooding overnight.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire Services, working alongside CapeNature and the Witzenberg Municipality, confirmed that the Tulbagh fire has been fully contained. The fire was reported on Sunday afternoon and spread rapidly through an extensive area of mixed vegetation. “There are currently no active fire lines or hotspots, and no risk of flare-ups has been identified,” fire services said in a final update issued at 6am on Monday.

Monitoring and mopping-up operations continued throughout the night, with all firefighting and ground teams set to return to base on Monday morning. No damage to property or livestock was reported, and no injuries were sustained. Fire crews also responded to a separate blaze in Bainskloof Pass on Sunday, which was successfully contained during the night.

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Meanwhile, parts of the Overstrand municipality were dealing with flooding as heavy rain prompted the activation of the Joint Operations Centre late on Sunday night. Disaster management and operational teams worked into the early hours of Monday morning, providing temporary relief where possible, particularly in Hawston and Fisherhaven. Authorities said they remain on high alert as the new day begins.

No major road closures have been reported, but motorists are urged to exercise caution due to sand and rocks on roadways. Several smaller roads remain closed because of unsafe surfaces, with assessments continuing during daylight hours. Electricity supply interruptions were reported earlier but have since been restored.

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