Fire rages in the Overberg

29 November 2019

Published by https://www.capetownetc.com

SOUTH AFRICA – A fire that started in the Overberg region on Thursday, November 28 is still blazing fiercely and spreading, with fire services on scene attempting to contain the blaze.

The wildfire was reported at 4pm yesterday, and despite the efforts of Fire Services and CapeNature, spread down the mountainside on Nuweberg Mountain. All stakeholders responded to the scene almost immediately, and aerial resources were accessed as well.

The fire continued to blaze throughout the evening, with firefighters struggling to contain the blaze as it spread in long lines. The wildfire is located on the Southern slopes of the Nuweberg Mountain just above the Nuweberg Dam. It has not yet managed to reach the top of the mountain. Currently, Fire Services are attempting to contain the fire along the old forestry roads, making it smaller and pinching it towards the head.

A pine slash left behind on the slopes following harvesting is making it difficult for firefighters to fight the blaze.

“The lines closest to Nuweberg dam are being burnt-out to prevent further spread to the south-east. The left flank (towards the northern side) are being attacked by ground crews, skid units and burnouts. The purpose is to prevent spread towards agricultural lands. Attempts are made to cut the head of the fire to prevent spread into the HTH Nature Reserve. Wind prediction remains a Westerly aspect pushing the fire away for the farms, ” said the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association in a Facebook post this morning.

Teams are ready to relieve crews on the ground and continue the battle today. Resources include two Volunteer Wildfire Services teams, several CapeNature & Overberg District Municipality Fire Services resources and fire units and #goFPA. Landowners are on standby.