Hot weather hampers firefighting efforts in Cape Winelands

Cape Winelands firefighters have been battling several blazes over the past 25 hours in the Hex River Valley between Worcester and Touws River.

The municipality said the fire on the Matroosberg mountains has moved over from the Witzenberg side after igniting high up in the rocky mountain areas.

Fire crews have only managed to contain part of the blaze and are busy trying to put out the rest around the Roode Elsberg Dam.

Cape Winelands District Municipality's Jo-Anne Otto said firefighting efforts are being hampered by the extremely hot weather conditions.

"A second fire is burning above the suburb of Stofland on the southern side of De Doorns. Cape Winelands crews and three NCC teams are currently working to contain that line. At this stage, no properties are at risk; however, there is concern that wind conditions may worsen later in the day, which could complicate the situation."