A fast moving mountain fire has forced the full closure of the R62 between Montagu and Barrydale on Thursday afternoon 14 November. Emergency teams are battling tough conditions as strong winds and hot weather continue to fuel the flames along the mountain slopes.
The blaze is currently burning on the stretch of road after the Talana turnoff and traffic authorities have confirmed that no vehicles will be allowed through until further notice. Local and Provincial Traffic officers are on scene redirecting motorists to the Talana Road which is being used as the only alternative route.
The Langeberg Municipality has activated standby firefighting crews while additional resources from the Cape Winelands District Municipality including teams from Ceres and Worcester have been deployed to Montagu to reinforce operations. A helicopter has also been dispatched to assist ground teams as the fire continues to advance along difficult high mountain terrain.
According to fire officials there is no current threat to property although conditions remain unpredictable. Crews working in the Montagu Ashton and De Doorns areas have been battling multiple fires over the past few days including a flareup on Matroosberg Mountain believed to have been caused by lightning earlier in the week. While progress has been made the intensity of the heat and rugged mountain environment have slowed containment efforts.
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Fire teams say the slightly cooler temperatures expected later in the evening could help slow down fire behaviour but they warn that the situation can change quickly.
Motorists and residents are urged to stay off the affected routes obey traffic officers and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Authorities are calling for calm and cooperation from the public while the response effort continues.
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