In a harrowing turn of events, the Western Cape is grappling with a relentless wildfire that originated near Kluitjieskraal close to Wolseley on Monday. The fire, spanning 6000 hectares, has already claimed 40 structures and is proving to be a formidable challenge for firefighters.
The Voëlvlei Dam fishing club, led by Chairman Abrie Hyman, found itself at the epicenter of this catastrophe. An emergency call at around 20:00 prompted the unlocking of gates for emergency services at Voëlvlei Dam. The fire, which started at the back of the mountain on the Tulbach/Wolseley side, quickly moved through the gorge, posing a severe threat to Silwerfontein Gasteplaas.
Despite the efforts of the fire brigade to save Silwerfontein's farm and houses, the wind direction changed abruptly, causing the fire to sweep across the canal towards the dam side. The rapid progression, coupled with high wind speeds, led to the destruction of numerous houses. The wind changed direction again, impacting the farm and resulting in the farmhouse's destruction. By 3 AM, few structures remained standing, leaving many permanent residents, mostly pensioners, fleeing in the night with only their night clothes.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Kluitjieskraal fire outside Wolseley has been burning since late Monday afternoon, fueled by mixed alien vegetation and strong winds. Ground teams are tirelessly working to protect homes in an adjacent informal settlement, while others focus on preventing the fire's further spread. The challenging conditions, including dense smoke, high winds, and uneven ground, have hampered firefighting efforts. Aerial resources were deployed once the wind subsided, but the situation remains critical.
Amidst this crisis, three members of the Voëlvlei Dam fishing club, including Chairman Abrie Hyman, the groundskeeper and maintenance person, Richard Bartin, and Jakes Bloemhoff, suffered from severe inhalation issues. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported among them. However, the widespread destruction calls for continued support for affected communities and intensified firefighting efforts.
Jakes Bloemhoff,assistant maintenance
Abrie Hyman,Chairperson of WPALAS
Richard Bartin,maintenance and groundkeeper at Voëlvlei
In a statement, the Cape Winelands District Municipality's Fire Services highlighted the challenges faced by ground crews, emphasizing the arduous firefighting conditions. The situation is compounded by suspicions of arson, with recent fires in Gordon's Bay, Slangkop, and Simon's Town prompting increased vigilance. The City of Cape Town has urged the public to report any suspicious activities.
As firefighters battle these relentless blazes, the Western Province Artificial Lure Angling Society expresses condolences to those who have suffered losses. The community now faces an uphill battle to rebuild amidst the charred remnants of what was once their homes.
Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.