A wildfire burning in the La Motte area near Franschhoek has scorched parts of nearby vineyards, but officials say there has been no reported loss of property and no injuries.
Fire Lines Still Active Near Franschhoek
By Monday morning, January 19, the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire Services reported two active fire lines in the wider La Motte area. Crews continued working to contain flare-ups, with conditions monitored closely as the fire behaviour can shift fast in mountain terrain.
Vineyard Damage Reported, Full Extent Still Unclear
CWDM updates indicated that while some vineyards have been affected, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Officials said there had been no loss of or damage to property reported at that stage.
Overnight Crews and Extra Support on the Ground
According to CWDM Fire Services, six firefighting vehicles and their crews worked through the night, supported by a CapeNature ground team. Cooler evening temperatures helped firefighters gain ground, and fresh teams were expected to be deployed to continue operations.
La Motte Wine Estate Remains Open
Despite the wider threat to structures in the area, La Motte Wine Estate said it escaped damage and remained open over the weekend. In a public message, the estate thanked people for their concern and said the most recent fire was mainly in the broader La Motte area rather than on the estate itself.
Authorities have also urged motorists in the region to drive carefully, follow traffic officials’ instructions, and give firefighting vehicles space to move quickly between sites.
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