Fire crews make progress on La Motte blaze in Franschhoek

Firefighters have made steady progress in containing a fire in the La Motte area of Franschhoek, with operations continuing into Monday morning, January 19.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality said its Fire Services, working alongside partner agencies, remained on site overnight to contain the blaze, which started on the afternoon of Saturday, January 17. The fire line initially extended up the mountain from La Motte towards the Three Streams area.

Two active fire lines were still burning early on Monday. Six firefighting vehicles with crews were deployed, supported by a ground team from CapeNature, as teams worked through the night to stabilise the area.

Cooler evening temperatures assisted firefighting efforts, helping to slow the fire’s spread and improve containment.

“There has been no damage to or loss of property, and no injuries have been reported. Fresh teams will be deployed this morning to continue firefighting operations,” the district municipality said.

La Motte Wine Estate confirmed that its operations were not affected by the fire.

“Although we had some fires high in the Wemmershoek Mountains on the estate, yesterday’s fire was predominantly in the larger La Motte area and not on the estate itself. We are therefore grateful to confirm that we are open for business as usual,” the estate said.

Meanwhile, Drakenstein Municipality said its Fire and Rescue Services responded to a separate fire at the premises of the Roggeland Historical Foundation in Paarl on Saturday, January 17. A thatched-roof structure was destroyed in the blaze, which is believed to have started in a nearby veld.