The Western Cape has experienced widespread and sustained wildfire activity across several districts between 18 and 28 November, driven by extreme heat, dry vegetation and strong winds.
Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, thanked the many firefighters, volunteers, landowners and community members who have worked around the clock over the past two weeks.
“With the hot and windy conditions persisting, I urge the public to be extra cautious,” said Bredell. “A single careless moment can place entire communities and our firefighters at risk. Report fires immediately, follow safety instructions, and help prevent further incidents during this dangerous period.”
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Winelands: Mountain fires, lightning ignitions
The Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services — supported by CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association — responded to multiple fires across mountainous, difficult terrain over the past two to three weeks. Officials confirmed that all fires in the district are now contained.
Key incidents included:
- A high-altitude fire in McGregor, where accessibility made suppression extremely challenging.
- Witzenberg crews worked through the night in strong winds to control fires in Visgat and Rocklands.
- In the Matroosberg, a lightning-ignited fire above Swaarmoed Pass required combined aerial and ground firefighting.
- In Langeberg, fires at Goat’s Window and Melozhori (Stormsvlei) were successfully contained.
- A fire in Tulbagh near Bike Forge was brought under control through joint operations with Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS).
Overberg: Multiple active lines and complex fire behaviour
The Overberg District — supported by Overstrand Municipality, CapeNature, the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association, landowners and volunteer organisations — has seen persistent wildfire activity, with some fires still active.
Current operations include:
- De Kelders: An active fire line on Farm 722 is being managed by ground crews.
- Stanford: NCC Environmental Services and VWS teams continue working with landowners.
- Grootbos: Ongoing operations from Overstrand Fire Services, Overberg District Municipality and local landowners.
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve: Mopping-up activities continue; CapeNature is assisting.
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In Masakhane, crews faced a challenging fire with multiple flare-ups overnight. Fresh teams from VWS and Working on Fire Kleinmond have joined the effort, while NCC remains on site until late afternoon. Several significant Overberg fires were successfully contained this week, including Houwhoek, Van der Stel Pass (Botrivier), Fisherhaven, EersteHoop, Villiersdorp Golf Club, and Grootbos in Gansbaai.
“The R43 between Gansbaai and Stanford remains open, though motorists are urged to proceed with caution. Eskom technicians will begin repairs to damaged lines once access is safe.”
Garden Route, West Coast and Cape Town
Garden Route District Municipality Fire Services and local municipal teams have contained all fires in their region, including those at Duiwehoks Dam and Dana Bay.
On the West Coast, District Fire and Rescue Services responded to several incidents, including fires at Gifberg and agricultural fires near Moorreesburg — all of which have now been contained.
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service handled multiple vegetation fires across the metro, with the Steenbras Dam fire being the most significant.
SANParks has also recorded 26 wildfire responses across the metropolitan area since the start of November.
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