Damage and cost assessments underway after Franchhoek wildfire contained

Authorities have begun assessing damage and determining costs following the containment of the Wemmershoek wildfire near Franschhoek, the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) confirmed on the afternoon of Thursday, January 15.

There are currently no active fire lines on the fire, the district municipality said, largely due to significant overnight rainfall, allowing firefighting operations to be scaled down. Monitoring for potential flare-ups and mopping-up operations continues in affected areas.

The fire, which we reported started in the Langrug area on Wednesday, January 7, has since been confirmed to have burned more than 17 000 hectares.

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

While no injuries or fatalities were reported, CWDM confirmed that property loss and damage occurred.

"The full extent of the damage is not yet known, as assessments are ongoing," the district municipality stated.

Fire crews and partner agencies remain on alert as evaluations are conducted in previously affected areas. CWDM said this would be the final update on the incident unless conditions change.