Firefighters battling blaze close to the Du Kloof lodge in Paarl

CAPE TOWN - Three fire vehicles, two ground teams, and three choppers have been deployed to the Du Toit's Kloof pass area on the N1.

This comes as the weather office earlier issued a red fire index warning for the area today.

Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 40 degrees and more over the next 48 hours.

Cape Winelands district municipality spokesperson Jo-anne Otto said, "the fire services have requested that motorists do not stop to take photos, not only is this a hazard to fire vehicles, but also hampers the traffic flow. The N1 is currently open for traffic, however, may be closed if smoke reduces visibility.