Police extinguish Franschhoek fire arson claims

POLICE have moved to dispel rumours that the wildfire burning near Franschhoek was deliberately started, as firefighters continue operations to contain the blaze and protect Chamonix Wine Estate and surrounding farms.

The fire, which is believed to have originated in the Langrug area last week, remained active in the Wemmershoek area on Monday morning. According to the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services, crews were working along accessible fire lines, with backburning carried out where necessary.

Aerial resources deployed by the Winelands Fire Protection Association, with assistance from Stellenbosch Municipality, were used to prioritise structure protection at Chamonix Wine Estate, Mont Rochelle and neighbouring properties.

Amid growing speculation on social media that the fire was the result of arson, SAPS spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said no such case was under investigation.

“There are no cases registered for the incidents, therefore no arrest has been made,” Gwala said, refuting claims that suspects had been detained in connection with the fire.

Fire officials said the blaze forms part of a broader wave of fires that have stretched resources across the Cape Winelands over several days. The Wemmershoek fire has been burning high in the mountains above Franschhoek, moving slowly downhill against the wind behind the Wemmershoek Dam and in the direction of Paarl, with several active fire lines reported.

Over the weekend, firefighting teams were also deployed to multiple incidents across the district. Fires at Stormsvlei, JC Le Roux in Stellenbosch, along the R46 near Tulbagh and at Boesmansrivier in McGregor were all successfully contained, while crews at Berg River Dam continued mop-up operations after fire lines were brought under control on that side, despite the fire jumping the R45 and burning above St Croix Estates.

High temperatures and windy conditions on Sunday led to flare-ups in previously contained areas near Franschhoek, but these were swiftly dealt with by teams from CapeNature, Drakenstein Municipality and Volunteer Wildfire Services. Monitoring and mop-up operations were continuing on Monday, with fire line conditions set to be reassessed later in the day.

No injuries, damage or loss of property had been reported, and the SPCA remained on standby to assist with animal-related incidents.

While the focus remains on containing the Franschhoek blaze, authorities said fire danger across the Western Cape remained very high due to persistent heat and dry conditions, urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any signs of fire immediately.

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Cape Argus