The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services reported that they have successfully contained a large wildland fire in the Kogmanskloof area outside Montagu on Wednesday, 27 August 2026. The fire started late Tuesday afternoon and required the deployment of a ground team and fire vehicles.
“This is particularly early for a wildfire,” warns Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands and avid nature lover. “Normally, we start seeing fires in late November, peaking in high summer, from February through to mid-March. The fire experienced yesterday and early this morning shows us that we can expect a much earlier onset. In turn, this will add pressure to all of our resources – to us as an organisation, to the agricultural sector and to those it employs. The biggest risk, however, is the risk to our natural spaces and the profound effect fires can have on them.”
The CWDM’s Fire Services confirm that they have already started considering options to allow for increased resource deployment and added agility in ground teams and firefighting crews. The teams have been ensuring that equipment is well maintained and fit for use and that contracts with external resources are secure.
In terms of legislation, the CWDM, as is the case with all district municipalities that are mandated to perform wild and veld firefighting, is responsible for all wildfires. However, the management of land and protection of our natural resources falls to various role-players.
CapeNature is the custodian of protected areas and trails, landowners are responsible for the fire protection of their property, while other organisations such as the Fire Protection Association and the Department of Forestry all hold a variety of responsibilities.
The CWDM serves as a central point of contact, while the seasonal Fire Safety Plan is an integrated fire plan drafted with input from all relevant parties. This allows for resource sharing and improved understanding.
The most important factors to consider for all landowners, farmers, owners of open land situated next to golf courses, housing estates and informal settlements ahead of this summer are:
- Correct and complete clearing of alien vegetation. This includes the removal of off-cuts and tree stumps. Often, landowners pay firewood contractors to clear alien vegetation. Unfortunately, this practice often leaves a lot of small branches, off-cuts and stumps, which dry out and create perfect kindling for wildfires.
- Clearing of overgrown firebreaks.
- Removal of fire hazards, such as illegal waste and dry vegetation situated close to buildings, stores and crops/orchards.
Anyone can report a fire. The number to call in the Cape Winelands District is 021 887 4446.
- Fire safety remains each person’s responsibility. This summer, we all need to plan around the heat. Never make a fire on a day when the temperature exceeds 35°C, even when there are braai facilities.
- If going hiking, biking or camping, always make sure your cell phone is charged and that someone knows where you are going and when to expect your return.
- If permits are required, please obtain them. This is also for your safety.
When we all do what needs to be done, we can protect our lives, livelihoods and property.