Battle to protect property as ‘huge mountain fire’ near Paarl spreads

Spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto said the fire continued to burn out of control.

“Fuelled by very strong winds during the night, the fire has now spread into private properties situated between the old and new tunnels,” she confirmed.

The fire broke out late on Tuesday afternoon, and “good headway” had been made after aerial support was deployed to assist the ground teams, the municipality said.

The fire, however, had spread into higher inaccessible areas overnight.

Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said the pass, as well as the Huguenot Tunnel, had been closed owing to the “huge mountain fire”.

The tunnel has since been reopened, but the pass remains closed until further notice, he said.

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