Cape Winelands firefighters battle Langeberg mountain blazes

Firefighters in the Cape Winelands District have been battling two active fires in the Langeberg area.

The first blaze was burning in the mountains above Rooiberg Cellar, outside Robertson, while another was active above Meulplaas along the R62.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality said both fires were sparked by lightning over the weekend and were burning in remote, mountainous terrain.

Municipality spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto said limited rainfall overnight had little effect, with flames continuing to move slowly across scattered sections of the landscape.

She added that the fires posed no immediate danger to life and property.

“Due to the steep and rugged landscape, direct access to certain sections of the fire line remain extremely challenging and possess safety risks to the ground crews. At present wind conditions remain calm and the fire is spreading at a very slow pace,” said Otto.