15/11/2025
🔥Fire Update: Montagu/Ashton and De Doorns
06:30 – 15 November 2025
The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), together with CapeNature and partner agencies, confirms that all fires have been contained in the Montagu area and that one line remains in DeDoorns.
☔️Ashton and Montagu
After more than a week of intensive firefighting, the fire that started above Zolani on the Ashton side of Kogmanskloof and crossed over the mountains into Montagu has now been contained.
Yesterday afternoon, gale-force winds caused the fire to race down the valley, jump a firebreak, and continue across the R62, igniting trees and vegetation on the opposite side. Despite the rapid deployment of additional ground and aerial resources—and the excellent cooperation of landowners and volunteers, a small container style store were lost and several orchards were damaged.
Active firefighting continued late into the night, with crews gaining ground as the wind eased. A steady two-hour rainfall between 02:00 and 04:00 significantly assisted suppression efforts. While no active flames remain, smouldering tree stumps and hotspots will require extensive mopping up before the area can be declared fully safe.
⚡️De Doorns
The lightning-induced fire near De Doorns, which has been burning for almost a week, has also been partially contained. Teams remain active on the western flank, where suppression continues. Fresh CWDM crews from Worcester will join CapeNature teams this morning to support operations. At present, there is no threat to orchards or infrastructure.
🌼General Conditions
Cooler temperatures expected over the next two days will provide more favourable working conditions. However, concern remains that strong winds may reignite areas where smouldering material remains.
🥰The CWDM extends its sincere gratitude to all partners, contractors, community organisations, landowners, and volunteers for their ongoing support and cooperation.
Unless the situation changes, this is the last update in respect of the Montagu/Ashton Fire. Reporting on the DeDoorns fire will take place as required.
Langeberg Municipality CapeNature Winelands Fire Protection Association Montagu Volunteer Fire & Rescue Montagu-Ashton Tourism Association Leading Edge Aviation, South Africa
