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- A fire in the Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch “is still out of control,” says local Western Cape government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell.
- The fire started with strong winds Thursday and is expected to continue through the weekend.
- Older, frail, and comorbid people such as asthma and young children are advised to leave the area until conditions improve.
A fire in the Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch is still out of control.
The fire is expected to continue into the weekend, said Anton Bredell of the Western Cape MEC for Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.
The elderly, frail, young children, and those with comorbidities, such as asthma, were advised to consider leaving the area until conditions improve.
In a statement, Bredell said conditions remained, “… very difficult with little room for improvement in the next two days.”
“The total area that has been burned, including the Overberg side, is 8,250 hectares at lunchtime today. [on Friday]. Additional resources have been deployed and the number of firefighters on the ground now stands at 236. There are 22 firefighting vehicles deployed and four bomber helicopters, two Hueys, one Airforce Oryx and one Blackhawk. “
Jonkershoek Valley Fire.
Jonkershoek Valley Fire.
Jonkershoek Valley Fire.
PHOTOS | The fire burns behind the mountains in Stellenbosch
Bredell, however, said there was no need for evacuations at this time, but also urged members of the public living in the affected area to “… pack a bag with the necessary and be on standby overnight if they change. the circumstances.
“The authorities on the ground will inform all citizens immediately in case the situation escalates and it is necessary to evacuate people. This is not currently necessary and every effort is being made to prevent the situation from occurring.”
According to the statement, strong winds and poor visibility due to smoke delayed the early deployment of air assets. However, circumstances now allowed for limited flights.
“This will only continue as conditions permit.”
Firefighting activities will continue throughout the night.
A layer of thick smoke created an orange glow in the sky as more than 100 firefighters, supported by aerial crews, worked to put it out, News24 previously reported.
The fire is being fanned by strong winds.
Cape Winelands District Municipality spokeswoman Jo-Anne Otto said the orange glow in the sky was caused by a combination of dried fynbos and vegetation that was high in oil and ash.
Stellenbosch Township urged Jonkershoek residents to cooperate with officials if they came to their properties as the fire moved through the dry and brittle vegetation.
“If you feel threatened and want to leave your home, secure your home, but leave all doors open,” the municipality said in an urgent public announcement on Facebook.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services, CapeNature, the Overberg District Municipality and the Fire Protection Association are part of the team trying to bring it under control.
