Du Toitskloof fire fanned by gale force winds, pass closed to traffic

A vicious fire has consumed much of the Drakenstein municipal area in Paarl, affecting the Du Toitskloof Pass and tunnel.

Warning: The content contained within this article features graphic imagery of a violent nature which some readers may find disturbing.

Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW) fire fighter groups worked through the night to contain the fire, from 14:00 on Thursday 27 February until Friday morning at 07:00, as gusts of wind were not of much help to them. 

Speaking to Western Cape traffic chief Kenny Africa, he said the Du Toitskloof tunnel was re-opened at 9:15 on Friday morning, however, the pass remained closed until further notice. 

DFW general commander Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp said that as of Friday, the fire around the pass seemed to be contained, however, firefighters are still battling the blaze in the nature reserve.

Locals, as well as those in guest houses have been successfully evacuated. 

Image via: Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp

Image via: Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp

Du Toitskloof fire uncontrollable due to wind

On Thursday, the DFW said the fire in Paarl was getting serious due to extreme weather conditions. 

“Wind is picking up, hindering suppression efforts,” said Van Leeuwen Boomkamp. 

“Cape winelands fire fighters are handling the job great so far. Multiple fire fighting entities are in the fire lines. Ground crews and water bombing continued through the past few days and teams were hauled in by helicopter to be dropped at the most reachable spots,” he added. 

Van Leeuwen Boomkamp said teams had already been on the job for three days, as well as the field crews in the mountains. As many as 700 liter 4×4 units as well as three tanker trucks were on standby.

There were 14 vehicles, nine bakkies, two helicopters, taxi services and security services all there to help contain the blaze and help those who had been affected. 

Horses injured during fire 

Van Leeuwen Boomkamp explained that unfortunately, a few horses on a farm were “badly injured” during the fire and in their panic. 

His daughter, Tessa van Leeuwen Boomkamp was responsible for animal rescue, as well as evacuations. Tessa is also a full commander in the fire and medical rescue group.  

Van Leeuwen Boomkamp said that the injured animals are all currently with the vet, receiving medical attention. 

Image via: Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp

Tessa van Leeuwen Boomkamp

Community battles Du Toitskloof fire together

Firefighters were up all night trying to contain the vicious blaze. Van Leeuwen Boomkamp said their cooperation was “fantastic”.  

The fire started some days ago “under suspicious circumstances” which left a trail of devastation clearly visible in the Drakenstein municipal area.

“The firefighting teams are exhausted after a 24 hour battle, which is still ongoing,” he said. 

“I am very very proud of our dedicated and professional men and women who risked so much to save so much,” he said. 

“Many heroic stories have developed, guesthouses have been evacuated, children and farmworkers have been saved and animals and horses have been evacuated,” he added. 

On Friday morning, firefighters were randomly invited by locals for breakfast to thank them for all they had done. 

Image via: Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp