Cederberg fire rages on as 80% contained, thousands of hectares scorched
While large sections of the fire are contained, multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain.
Image: SUPPLIED
A massive wildfire continues to rip through the Cederberg mountains, scorching more than 34,000 hectares since it started on Monday last week.
Large sections of the fire are contained, but it is far from over, with multiple active fire lines still burning in steep and hard-to-reach terrain.
The flames have moved through Algeria, Driehoek, Kromrivier, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal.
CapeNature said no lives have been lost and no homes have been destroyed.
Damage has been limited to a wooden cottage and a caravan at Driehoek, and no structures are currently under immediate threat.
The agency described the past week as “exceptionally demanding”.
It also praised the “remarkable co-operation and resilience shown by firefighting agencies, local communities and neighbours working together under challenging conditions".
"While large sections of the fire are contained, the fire is not yet fully contained, and multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain," CapeNature said.
Ground crews remain active between Kromrivier, Gonnafontein, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal, monitoring and protecting properties.
Firefighting is also ongoing around Maraisberg and between Citrusdal and Niewoudtspas,
The firefighters use direct firefighting, monitoring, and controlled burn-outs along firebreaks and jeep tracks to prevent further spread.
CapeNature, the West Coast District Municipality, and the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association are leading operations, with support from Working on Fire (WOF) and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS).
The Cape Winelands District Municipality has also joined the effort.
The agency stressed the importance of well-maintained access roads and firebreaks.
“Cleared defensible space around homes is critical, as dense vegetation and large trees near buildings increase risk, especially when fires jump into thick fuel close to structures,” it said.
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