The Newlands Forest and nearby trail areas remain closed to the public given ongoing flare ups and associated risks. Picture: NCC Wildfires
Newlands Forest and nearby trail areas remain closed to the public on Monday in light of ongoing fire flare ups and associated risks.
Parkscape said a flare-up, as anticipated, occurred overnight.
They appealed to the public to respect the closures.
“The section of trails from Newlands Forest to Devil’s Peak, and south of Platteklip Gorge is also closed.
“The Contour Path boardwalk has been damaged by fire, with rockfalls reported in the area. “Fresh ground crews and aerial resources have been deployed,” Parkscape said.
SANParks on Sunday had said the bulk of the fire, which broke out in Newlands in the early hours of Sunday morning, was contained in accessible areas.
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) fire management team managed the fire between Newlands and Devil’s Peak.
“The fire has burned approximately 60 hectares of veld,” SANParks said.
The cause of the fire will be investigated, they added.
Meanwhile, the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services confirmed that firefighting will continue in some areas Monday.
CWDM’s firefighters and ground crews from CapeNature reported making progress on the various fires in Wellington and Witzenberg.
“In Wellington, teams had their hands full late last night as a flare-up on Doolhof threatened property. Fire and ground crews were able to prevent any damages, and the fire is now under control. Farmers in the area activated aerial resources administered via the Winelands Fire Protection Association late yesterday afternoon.
“All fires in the Wellington area have been contained. However, the ground is still very hot in places, making monitoring and mopping-up a priority,” CWDM said.
In Witzenberg, the various lines continue to smoulder and flare-up in some of the very high, inaccessible areas, while several lines are still burning actively.
“There is no danger to property, and teams are on the lines to manage the fire as and when it becomes accessible.”
Cape Times
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