UPDATE: Franschhoek fires continue to burn 'out of control'

UPDATE: 9:30am, Tuesday 20 January: The intense Franschhoek fire has rapidly advanced from the elevated terrain of the mountain, moving towards Three Streams, and has now encroached upon Holiday Farm La Bri. 

Lewis Fire Crew B is now urgently deployed to combat the devastating wildfire at Holiday Farm, La Bri.  

UPDATE: 8:30am, Tuesday 20 January: The Franschhoek fires continue to burn "out of control", despite the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services, together with CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA), working through the night to contain the blaze that started on Saturday, 17 January.   

"Very strong winds drove the fire up an area known as Assegaai-bos, from where it jumped the Berg River and ignited new fires on the mountain above the river. Due to the steep, uneven terrain and dense vegetation, ground teams are only able to access the fire lines when conditions allow," the CWDM statement said.   

The teams are assessing the situation on Tuesday morning to outline resources and suppression strategies further. Firefighting efforts are focused on protecting property on farms in the area, with residents evacuating as a precautionary measure.  

"Residents are advised that water bombing and other fire suppression activities may result in heavy smoke. It is recommended that windows and doors be kept closed, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to smoky air." Any need for an emergency evacuation will be communicated directly to residents, as and when necessary.  

Fire crews and vehicles from CWDM’s Stellenbosch, Worcester and Paarl fire stations remain on scene, supported by CapeNature’s Working on Fire. And a team from the Volunteer Wildfire Services. Smaller fires in the Wellington and Gouda area are also being managed.  

Ongoing impact and trail closures    

Wildfires sweeping through the Cape Winelands over the last month have caused severe damage to vineyards, with long-term consequences expected. There has been significant damage to the Mont Rochelle Reserve's trail network, and the worsening firefighting conditions have forced its indefinite closure. Essential maintenance and repairs will be carried out as both bridges on the Uitkyk route were recently destroyed, rendering most routes unsafe or inaccessible at this stage. 

CapeNature also confirmed that it is assessing the impact on the region and will provide a detailed update on affected trails as soon as possible.