The Du Toitskloof mountain fire continues to rage, and strong winds are expected to fan the blaze even more. The fire has also resulted in temporary closure of the Huguenot Tunnel. Traffic authorities advised drivers to make use of alternative routes.
The fire was fanned through the night on the evening of Thursday, February 27, and homes in the vicinity are now in danger. It is unclear whether residents have been ordered to evacuate the area, however.
Update: 218359: #Road_Closure due to Veld Fire: N1 outbound closed at Toll Plaza and inbound before Huguenot Tunnel is now Re-opened, use alternate route.#ShareTheRoad pic.twitter.com/SDWetX0BiV
— Cape Town FMS (@CapeTownFreeway) February 28, 2020
The fire broke out on Tuesday, February 25, and quickly became out of control.
ROAD CLOSURE: Fire at Du Toitskloof Pass. Strong winds are spreading the fire towards the entrance of the Huguenot tunnel. N1 closed on closed both sides. @WCGovTPW @WesternCapeGov pic.twitter.com/CI40WgW3fT
— Ntomboxolo Somdaka (@NMakoba) February 28, 2020
“Fuelled by very strong winds during the night, the fire has now spread onto private properties situated between the old and new tunnels. All resources are deployed in an effort to prevent damage to houses and other structures,” Jo-Ann Otto of the Cape Winelands District Municipality said to EWN.
The Huguenot Tunnel has since been reopened.
Picture: Twitter