A blaze on a mountain in Paarl yesterday evening has been contained after extensive efforts by local firefighters and several municipality teams.
The Drakenstein Municipality Fire Services section, the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Stellenbosch Municipality, and private organisations worked tirelessly to control the inferno on the mountainside, which was stoked by the wind.
“Three helicopters, about 15 firefighting vehicles and 40 firefighters are at the scene, trying to prevent the fire from spreading to people’s homes. No one has been injured and so far no lives are in danger. The fire, which broke out around 18:00 today, intensified due to a strong wind in the area,” said the Drakenstein Municipality in a statement it issued on the incident.
The cross visible in the centre of the fire, Firefigther visible in the mountain figthing the fire… Pray that God will keep them safe ??#Paarlfire pic.twitter.com/BP3YtKht08
— Berne Heymans (@heymie15) December 20, 2018
Strength to all the Firefighters and their support teams currently battling the #PaarlFire pic.twitter.com/DBbOAVEBRD
— Sullivan Photography (@Sullphotography) December 20, 2018
Not looking good pic.twitter.com/RuaZz1yM2E
— Berne Heymans (@heymie15) December 20, 2018
Huge fire Paarl mountain @PaarlSAfrica pic.twitter.com/BD8iOd2rDx
— Faadiel Essop (@FaadielEssop) December 20, 2018
Fire is contained
The Drakenstein Municipality said in its statement that the fire had been contained.
“The fire on Paarl Mountain is under control and the area is safe, Drakenstein Municipality’s fire services section confirms. There was and is no need to evacuate the area or homes,” the statement reads.
Local firefighters worked throughout the night battling the blaze. Two helicopters started water booming the area during the early hours of Friday morning to fully extinguish it.
Fire hotspots located in the area, including a large plantation on the northern side of the mountain above Rhebokskloof, are being monitored.
“Two ground teams of 12 members each, contracted by the Cape Winelands District Municipality, are assisting with mopping-up operations while Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire Services will continue to patrol the area,” said Drakenstein Municpality.
No injuries have been reported in the fire.
The cause of the fire is unknown and the South African Police Services (SAPS) are conducting investigations into the incident.
“Drakenstein Municipality wishes to thank the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Stellenbosch Municipality, Drakenstein Farmwatch, and other private organisations for their efforts and assistance in containing the fire,” the municipality said.
Picture: Facebook/ Ailene Bulloch