Several homes destroyed; 2 firefighters hospitalised following Lourensford fire
Several homes have been destroyed in the Cape Winelands District Municipality as firefighters continue to battle the blaze in Lourensford.
The fire that broke out on the slopes in the area on
Wednesday is still raging out of control on the mountains from Mont Fleur to
the Somerset West side.
The City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Services spokesperson,
Jermaine Carelse said that several homes in Silverboomkloof Road were gutted
and two firefighters were hospitalized on Saturday.
‘’A total of 24 firefighting appliances and approximately
90 firefighters are still working tirelessly to contain the blaze but crews are
confident that major inroads can be made as we are expecting some rain during
the course of the day,’’ said Carelse.
COURTESY: Working On FireA spokesperson for the Cape Winelands District
Municipality, Jo-Anne Otto, says the team worked throughout the night to
protect the property behind the Mont Fleur area.
‘’Fire teams will continue monitoring and mopping-up
activities throughout the day to ensure that flare-ups are quickly
contained. No loss of life or property
has been reported. The fire line in the inaccessible areas currently stretches
from the area above Mt Fleur across the mountain into the Somerset West side
and continues to burn out of control.’’
According to Otto, strong winds can precede the flames up
the mountain, closer to properties. However, she says, the fire department is
optimistic that it will support the expected heavy rain in fire fighting
activities.
‘’There is concern that wind will precede the rain that has
been predicted for much later in the day, which depending on its direction
could fan the fire towards properties.
However, the teams are optimistic that the expected heavy rains will aid
firefighting activities.’’
#LourensfordFire pic.twitter.com/d76HTdifbZ
Done By: Mitchum George
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