Firefighters still battling Paarl Mountain blaze

The Cape Winelands District Municipality says they are still fighting a blaze on the Paarl Mountain in the Western Cape.

Spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto says there are several active fire lines high up on the mountain but there’s no property in danger.

“The wind died down in the latter part of yesterday afternoon and, aided by cooler nighttime temperatures, teams were able to bring much of the fire line under control. However, the ground remains very hot with many smouldering areas. There are still flames in a few places along the fire line, and there is a strong likelihood of flare-ups in the areas previously contained. The IC has deployed aerial resources to assist with containment.”.

Otto says they’ve managed to secure property built on the lower slopes of the mountain with the help of air support.

She says they’re continuing to fight flames higher up with two extra helicopters in difficult terrain.

Otto adds that firefighting efforts are being made more difficult by hot weather, a steady wind and alien vegetation.

Firefighters in Cape Town have meanwhile, contained a blaze on Chapman’s Peak near Hout Bay. A helicopter was also sent to waterbomb that fire.