Fire near Wellington destroys property, forces evacuations
Gale force winds and high fuel loads provided by eucalyptus plantations and other vegetation, caused the fire to spread quickly.
A wildfire above Wellington in the Cape Winelands District Municipality on 18 February 2025. Picture: Cape Winelands DM/Facebook
CAPE TOWN - It's been a busy night for firefighters in the Cape Winelands where multiple fires broke out on Tuesday.
Authorities said that the blaze that started on Oaklands farm above Wellington had been most problematic.
Gale force winds and high fuel loads provided by eucalyptus plantations and other vegetation, caused the fire to spread quickly.
A house and two sheds have been destroyed, while two cottages had to be evacuated.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Jo-Anne Otto said that fire crews managed to protect the evacuated structures.
"Late last night, the Winelands FPA requested that landowners ensure that access gates, etc are unlocked to ensure freedom of movement for fire services. Damages to crops have been reported, however, at this stage, it is difficult to establish the extent of damages. The fire is not contained, and the wind continues to make matters difficult."