Winds hamper fire fight effort
A FIRE which flared on Monday spread across the Paarl mountain in the direction of Wellington, with strong winds making it impossible for helicopters to be deployed.
This follows last week’s blaze, which severely damaged three guest farms and left people displaced as strong south-easterly winds kept it raging.
The SA Air Force (SAAF) deployed aircraft to assist as several properties were at risk along the slopes of the mountain.
Drakenstein fire and rescue chief Derick Damonssaid the fire spread from the Huguenot Tunnel along the slopes to the Bains Kloof Pass area in Wellington.
“This is quite an extensive area, leaving many of the homes and farms along the slopes at risk. The fire is not under control as yet and we hope to make progress in the next 24 hours,” said Damons.
He said 137 people from two farms had to be evacuated and hoped to return them to their homes as soon as possible while they monitor and extinguish numerous hot spots.
Drakenstein Farm Watch and Paarl Fire chairperson Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp said there were 130 volunteer firefighters assisting.
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“Winds have died down but when we extinguish one fire another picks up in another spot and even jumps the roads. When it climbs the slopes, there is not much we can do,” Van Leeuwen Boomkamp said.
Provincial traffic chief Kenny Africa confirmed the Huguenot Tunnel was open, while the the old Du Toits Kloof Pass was closed.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell, said the SAAF deployed additional resources to combat the fires.
“The Oryx helicopters are much larger and able to deliver a bigger payload compared to the helicopters we usually rely on. We know the SAAF assistance will make a huge difference,” said Bredell.
The City of Cape Town is investigating the possibility of arson being behind recent fires.
Safety and security mayco member JP Smith said: “The spate of fires is truly suspicious and we have an investigations team that is looking into it.”
Damage in Vredehoek where the fire on Monday evening destroyed four structures was estimated at R4.5 million.
Resident Laurence Aadnesgaard said they were lucky the fire started at night or else they could have lost everything.
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) fire spokesperson Philip Prins said about 50ha was destroyed.