Cederberg fires under control, some camp sites closed

Fires across the Western Cape have kept firefighters busy over the past Christmas week. One of the hardest-hit areas has been the Cederberg region, with a fire that broke out on Christmas Eve now under control, according to the Cederberg Local Municipality. 

CapeNature confirmed extensive damage, particularly in the Cederberg Algeria area - with 24,000 ha razed, thus far. Fire teams remain on standby, as there are six Working on Fire teams on duty: three day teams and three night teams. 

The Cederberg Wilderness Area and Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve remain closed for now. 

"There are different sections that are in various states of containment and mopping up. There are fires that are burning in areas that are difficult for teams to get to,"according to CapeNature spokesperson Luke Folb.

"The Cederberg Wilderness Area is currently closed and all visitors and guests were previously evacuated from the area. Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve has also been closed due to the fire spreading to this area. We urge the public to refrain from entering affected areas and to remain aware of fire risks at all times. Please adhere to strict fire safety regulations, avoid any activities that could spark a fire, and follow official guidance and closures."

Several accommodation providers have also announced temporary closures.  

Kromrivier Cederberg Park confirmed that all facilities are closed until further notice due to active fire lines in the area and reduced staff capacity. 

Clean-up operations are also underway at Driehoek, which will remain closed until January 3, 2026, pending safety checks and repairs, including work on the damaged water infrastructure. Guests are being contacted directly with updates.

Authorities have also warned about fake news reports about fires in the region circulating on social media. They are awaiting an impact report and continue to monitor the situation. The West Coast District Municipality has confirmed that it will intervene should any structure protection be required. 

The public is being asked to remain vigilant, follow official guidance, and respect all access restrictions while recovery efforts continue.

Large parts of the province remain on very dangerous fire warning alert levels.

If you need to report a fire or emergency: 

General Emergency Numbers

• From any cellphone: 112 (National Emergency) or 10177 (Ambulance/Medical/Fire).
• Table Mountain NP Emergencies: 086 110 6417.
• City Fire Control Centre (Cape Town): 021 590 1900.  

District-Specific Fire Numbers (Non-Emergency/Direct Line)

• City of Cape Town: 021 480 7700 (or 107 from landline).
• Overberg District: 028 425 1690.
• West Coast District: 022 433 8700.
• Eden District: 044 805 5071.
• Central Karoo District: 023 414 2603.
• Cape Winelands District: 021 887 4446

Head over to our social media channels to follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to sign up to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City.