Fire crews remain on site as Wemmershoek fire enters fifth day

Firefighting teams continue to battle an active fire in the Wemmershoek area near Franschhoek, according to the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services.

The fire, which was first reported on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 7,  is believed to have originated in the Langrug area. Fire crews have been conducting active operations along accessible fire lines, with backburning implemented where necessary to contain the blaze.

Aerial resources deployed by the Winelands Fire Protection Association, with support from Stellenbosch Municipality, have focused on protecting structures at Mont Rochelle, Chamonix Wine Estate, and surrounding farms.

"High temperatures and windy conditions experienced yesterday resulted in several flare-ups, which were promptly attended to in previously contained areas," said the district municipality in a statement.

These were attended to by teams from CapeNature, Drakenstein Municipality, and Volunteer Wildfire Services, who successfully brought the flare-ups under control.

Monitoring and mopping-up operations are continuing in contained areas. Fire authorities confirmed that no injuries, damage or loss of property have been reported during the current operational period. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA was also on standby to assist with any animal-related incidents.

Fireline conditions were set to be assessed on Monday morning to determine the next phase of operations.

The fire reported on Wednesday evening, January 7, in Languedoc, Stellenbosch, was contained by the following day, according to the district municipality. No properties were damaged.