City firefighters battle more than 100 blazes in one day
The City of Cape Town’s firefighters were put to the test over these last few days as they battled to contain fires across the city. Yesterday alone, firefighters battled 106 bush and grass fires. Most of these fires were contained and extinguished before they could cause too much damage. However, several bigger fires continue to rage, requiring crews to work through the night and remain on standby. Read more below:
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, along with other services, has been stretched as they battled blazes ranging from the devastating mountain fire in Somerset West to smaller grass and bush fires in the city bowl.
Yesterday, 3 January 2017, strong south-easterly winds fanned the flames as more than 120 firefighters, 12 fire engines and 10 water tankers battled a mountain vegetation fire on the upper slopes above Bezweni Lodge in Somerset West.
The fire was about 80% contained this morning as crews worked throughout the night. Wind conditions are still variable, which affects firefighting operations, and hence the fire is not yet completely under control. Aerial and ground crew operations are still under way in high-risk areas of the Helderberg basin.
The N2 and Sir Lowry’s Pass were closed in both directions between Grabouw and Sir Lowry’s Pass Road. The N2 to Grabouw has since been reopened, while the entrance into Sir Lowry’s Pass Village on the N2 is closed intermittently depending on smoky conditions. The road to the Bezweni Lodge remains closed. Traffic officers are on the scene to direct vehicles and assist drivers.