Franschhoek
One fire line remains in Franschoek, six days later.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services, said firefighting teams are making headway, but it is concerned that the fire is burning up on the mountains, in areas stacked with fuel load.
The Franschoek Pass is closed, due to smoke.
The first fire in Franschhoek on the 8 January 2026, burnt just over 19 000 hectares of veld. Another 3 500 hectares were engulfed, by this latest fire.
Mop up operations are well underway, in some areas, by teams from the Volunteer Wildfire Services, NCC, CapeNature, and the CWDM fire vehicles and crews.
Crews fighting the active fire are from the CWDM, CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA).
Mosselbay
A vegetation fire broke out just after 4pm in Dana Bay on Thursday.
Fire crews from Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management are on site, alongside traffic officials.
Heavy smoke blowing towards the N2 has necessitated closure of the national road, from Flora Road to the Engen garage.
The Municipality urged road‑users to reduce speed, follow instructions from officials on site, and remain alert for sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Grahamstown / Makhanda
There is a smoke plume from the cemetery side of Grahamstown Road, towards Andy’s truck stop garage.
This resulted in poor visibility on the road and motorists are urged to reduce speed.
Port Elizabeth/ Gqeberha
There is a similar scene, along the N2 turn off to Baywest Mall, in Gqeberha, due to a veld fire.
Motorists are urged to proceed with caution.
Picture: CWDM.