Franschhoek fire partially contained as firefighting efforts continue
The ongoing battle against wildfires in Franschhoek continues, with firefighters making significant strides in containing a blaze that has threatened local vineyards and communities.
Cape Winelands District Municipality Support Services manager and Franschhoek incident commander, Jaco Thuynsma, said: “It’s partially contained, and there’s still some active sections and sections where we’re busy with active firefighting.”
Thuynsma explained that they work per operational period, and they see certain objectives being set and tactics implemented per operational period, and then if they achieve those, then they are making progress.
Advanced Life Support Paramedic and first responder based in Franschhoek, Kurt Maske, primarily coordinates and supports ground crews by maintaining situational awareness, liaising between fire services and the community to share real-time information, and managing logistical support like access control, meals, and welfare for extended-hours firefighters.
“A key focus has been keeping the community informed while supporting the primary firefighting agencies on the ground,” Maske said.
He said that the fire was mostly contained, but on Saturday afternoon, there was renewed activity, with new flare-ups occurring in different parts of the Franschhoek area.
“The fire is currently actively burning between Matopi and Three Streams. Fire crews are continuing with active firefighting, containment, and monitoring, while working to prevent further spread and manage flare-ups as conditions change,” Maske said.
Maske added that fires have been reported in areas neighbouring the wider Cape Winelands region and that relevant fire and disaster management services are managing these incidents. Their crews are focused on containment, necessary infrastructure protection, and continuous monitoring and resources are being deployed based on fire behaviour and risk, with coordination across affected areas.
Earlier, the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services reported that significant headway had been made in bringing the La Motte fire in Franschhoek under control. The fire was reported on Saturday afternoon.
“The fire line extended up the mountain from La Motte to the Three Streams area. Cooler evening temperatures significantly aided firefighting efforts; however, a challenging day is expected as high temperatures are forecast, which may intensify fire behaviour,” the municipality said.
Fresh firefighting teams were expected to be deployed on Sunday morning to continue suppression efforts in areas where the fire line is accessible.
“There has been no loss of or damage to property. There was damage to vineyards; the full extent of the damage is not yet known,” the municipality said.
La Motte (wine estate) said that the Franschhoek Valley was ablaze with more veld fires on Saturday night.
“Although we had some fires high in the Wemmershoek mountain on the estate, yesterday’s fire was predominantly in the bigger La Motte area and not on the estate. We are therefore very grateful to say that we are open for business as usual,” La Motte said.
“Our thoughts go out to our neighbours who suffered extensive damage. We were there to help last night (Saturday), and we hope to continue our support where we can.”
Ali Sablay of Gift of the Givers said their teams are on standby, as they have been for many other areas around the Western Cape that experienced fires over the last few weeks.
Sablay said they are in contact with the relevant fire department and disaster management teams to see if they require their help.
He said they are still busy with other fires and drought-stricken areas in the Western Cape.
“We are on standby, but at the moment we are monitoring the situation,” Sablay said.
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Narend Singh visited the Incident Command Post and fire-affected Wemmershoek area near Franschhoek on Thursday to assess the situation and meet with teams.
The department stated that the significant wildfire, which started in Langrug on January 7, 2026, has consumed over 17,000 hectares amid challenging conditions, including high temperatures, strong winds, and rugged terrain. This blaze is one of several testing response efforts across the province.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za