Storms Wreak Havoc: Cape Town Fire Destroys Homes, Damage Reported Across Country
Image source: Properties were destroyed or badly damaged by a fire in in Glencairn, Cape Town, on 7 April 2024. SAWS has issued a warning of a rare weather occurrence that is set to disrupt coastal areas along South Africa‘s southwest to southeast coastline. (Photo: Gallo Images)
Published by: Omphile Pule
As stormy weather battered various regions on Sunday, strong winds fueled a fire that ravaged properties in Glencairn, Cape Town. Additionally, storms caused extensive damage in other areas.
With over 24 fires already tackled, the municipality expresses hope for relief amidst the anticipated wet and rainy conditions in their ongoing battle against blazes across the district, as stated in a recent Facebook post.
The municipality confirms containment of the Pappagaaiberg fire in Stellenbosch. Despite strong winds, two contracted ground teams and three CWDM firefighting vehicles persevered through the night. Fresh teams will commence mopping up operations and monitoring today until the area is declared safe.
Responding to two fires within the Stellenbosch municipal area, CWDM teams are actively engaged in firefighting efforts. While the fire on Simonsberg, Pniel, remains out of control, one contracted ground team is currently on-site. Additionally, another CWDM firefighting vehicle and crew have been dispatched to the fire in Jamestown.
Thanks to the anticipated rainfall, the fire has been successfully contained, allowing firefighting crews to redirect their efforts to other areas requiring assistance.
CWDM Fire Services played a crucial role in combating two fires along the borders of the City of Cape Town. Three firefighting vehicles swiftly responded to a fire occurring between the N1 and R304. Another fire, at the Durbanville and Klipheuwel crossing, was successfully contained on the Klipheuwel side following yesterday’s response.
Amidst the chaos, Drakenstein Farm Watch reports grappling with inclement weather as their control and command centre fields numerous calls for assistance. Power outages, stemming from infrastructural damage, have been documented. Additionally, windy conditions have uprooted trees, blown off roofs, obstructed roads, and fueled fires, with damaged power cables identified as the primary ignition source in the affected areas.
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