Kluitjieskraal fire contained overnight, says Cape Winelands District Municipality

CAPE TOWN - The Cape Winelands District Municipality said a fire that broke out in Kluitjieskraal has been contained overnight.
 
The blaze started in an aged tree plantation situated between wild and farmland areas on Thursday.
 
The municipality's Jo-Anne Otto said, "Containment of the fire proved to be an uphill struggle. The difficult terrain, combined with strong winds and a high fuel load from dry leaves, bark, and old branches on the plantation floor, made access very difficult. Teams, however, managed to secure the area at 2:30 this morning [Friday]."
 
Otto said the area remains very volatile.

"The predicted wind increases the likelihood of flare-ups. Fire crews and teams from the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Worcester and Ceres stations will stay on scene, assisted by two ground teams from NCC, to continue monitoring and mopping-up operations throughout the day."