Lauren Isaacs8 April 2024 | 5:54

Rain helped contain multiple fires in Cape Winelands, says municipality

Rain helped contain multiple fires in Cape Winelands, says municipality

A fire burns in the Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape on 7 April 2024. Picture: Cape Winelands District Municipality/Facebook

CAPE TOWN - The Cape Winelands District Municipality said that Sunday's rain proved instrumental in containing multiple fires across the district. 
 
Officials said the rainfall, which arrived late on Sunday afternoon and persisted throughout the night, significantly aided in containing the Paarl Mountain fire. 
 
The municipality's Anesca Roodt: "Throughout the night, two contracted ground teams remained on the scene, along with Drakenstein and Swartland Municipality. Although a flare-up occurred overnight, edging towards Rhebokskloof, swift containment efforts early this morning mitigated any further escalation."
 
Crews also managed to effectively contain a fire at the Drakenstein Correctional Services.
 
Meanwhile, Blaauwklippen remains contained, with the Stellenbosch Municipality maintaining vigilant monitoring until the area is safe.
 
"The fire at Keerweder, Drakenstein, has been successfully contained, no additional structures were lost or damaged. Simonsberg, Pniel, and Papegaaiberg in Stellenbosch remain contained. Monitoring and mop-up operations is ongoing until areas are deemed safe."