A fire that broke out in the Hemel and Aarde Valley near Hermanus in the Overstrand Municipality, Western Cape, has been successfully contained. The blaze, which began on the mountainside and spread toward Hawston, prompted road closures due to heavy smoke but has now been brought under control.
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill confirmed that the roads between Hawston and Fisherhaven have been reopened to motorists. "The roads were closed due to the fire spreading close to the area, causing significant smoke. We are now monitoring the region for any potential flare-ups," O’Neill said.
Tribute to Firefighters
The containment effort highlights the ongoing dedication of firefighters in the region. Earlier this year, firefighters were honored for battling 119 fires in the Table Mountain National Park during the first half of 2023. Among these, the Castle Rock fire was noted as one of the most challenging, lasting over a week.
The swift response to the Hemel and Aarde Valley fire reflects the resilience and expertise of the firefighting teams in protecting lives and property from devastating wildfires.