Cederberg Complex Fire Update

The wildfire in the Cederberg, which started on 22 December, continues to be actively managed by firefighting agencies. The affected area is now measured at just over 34 000 hectares. While large sections of the fire are contained, the fire is not yet fully contained, and multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain.

The fire has moved through Algeria, Driehoek, Kromrivier, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal. Importantly, no lives have been lost, and no houses have been destroyed. Property damage has been limited to a wooden cottage and a caravan at Driehoek. At present, no structures are under immediate threat.

This past week has been exceptionally demanding and has once again highlighted the remarkable co-operation and resilience shown by firefighting agencies, local communities and neighbours working together under challenging conditions.

Ground firefighting resources remain deployed between Kromrivier, Gonnafontein, Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal, where teams are actively monitoring and safeguarding properties in the Eastern Cederberg.

Active firefighting continues around Maraisberg and between Citrusdal and Niewoudtspas, with multiple ground teams deployed. Tactics include direct firefighting, monitoring, and strategic burn-outs along firebreaks and jeep tracks to prevent further spread.

Resource coordination is being led by CapeNature, West Coast District Municipality, and the Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association, with support from Working on Fire (WOF) and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS). As the fire edge has moved, the Cape Winelands District Municipality joined operations today as the fire enters their jurisdiction.

What this fire has again clearly demonstrated—and must be reiterated with landowners—is the critical importance of well-maintained access roads and firebreaks. Cleared defensible space around homes is essential, as dense vegetation, large trees and bushes close to structures pose the greatest risk, particularly when fires spot or jump into thick fuel loads around buildings.

Visitor Access and Closures

Visitors wishing to access the Cederberg are advised that all CapeNature-managed properties are currently closed. This includes:

• All hiking trails
• Algeria and Bosherberge Campsites
• Stadsaal
• Truitjieskraal

The following private properties are also closed:

• Driehoek
• Kromrivier – Cederberg Park (temporarily closed)

Sites that remain open include:

• Sandrif
• Wolfberg Cracks
• Oasis
• Nuwerus

CapeNature requests members of the public and social media users not to share outdated images, misinformation or unverified reports, as this creates unnecessary panic. Much of the area burnt consists of old fynbos veld, which is a fire-adapted ecosystem, and we anticipate healthy regeneration following good winter rains.

CapeNature extends sincere thanks to everyone who has supported firefighting teams, including donations of refreshments, which are greatly appreciated and help sustain crews in the field.

Further updates will follow this evening.