Wildfire outside Barrydale continues | Western Cape Government

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Wildfire outside Barrydale continues

5 February 2021

Efforts continue to extinguish a wildfire in the Barrydale area of the Western Cape. The fire has now been burning for nearly two weeks and has already claimed the life of one firefighter.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the fire is visible from the town of Barrydale but says the town and its residents are currently in no danger.

“The firefighters have been burning large controlled firebreaks and once the fire reaches these breaks the fire department believes it will finally burn out. The smoke that is evident in the town and surrounding areas is largely from the controlled burns being done.”

The Overberg District Municipality and teams from CapeNature are deployed in the area. A large contingent of emergency vehicles is on the ground as well as a helicopter which is being deployed to act as spotter and to provide guidance to the teams on the ground.

“Additional teams have been deployed today to reinforce the teams on the ground. There’s roughly 100 firefighters in the area at the moment,” says Bredell.

Bredell has encouraged residents in the area to remain indoors and keep windows closed until the air quality has improved.

“Anyone has trouble breathing to contact the authorities immediately. The number for the Overberg District is 028 425 1690.”

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670

Telephone:            021 483 2820

E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za