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THE STORY OF THE FIRE
It started as a puff of smoke in the North, above and behind Tafelberg.
This was a fynbos (veld) fire that burned hot and steadily for several days from 16th December and eventually spewed its wrath on the historical holiday farm of Sanddrif, part of the Dwarsrivier / Cederberg Vineyards complex, owned by the Nieuwoudt family. Passing Sanddrif on 20 December 2016, the fire was heading south of east full tilt in the direction of Matjiesrivier.
There were some narrow escapes for a number of people and infrastructure.
The Calm before the Fire
A typical Cederberg night sky, but the reflection of stellar light off micro particles of smoke reveal the coming of the fire.
The Story of the December 2016 Fire
It started with a puff of smoke - and some haziness in the North - that was to grow more intense each day. This was exacerbated by extreme heat and a fierce wind speed.
The puff of smoke was dismissed by some as a 'fire near Eselbank' (a small settlement over the top of the mountain). However two days on, the Wolfberg side of the mountain was closed to hikers and mountaineers as a precautionary measure.)
Fire above Kliphuis
At the Kliphuis campsite on the Dwarsrivier Farm, a large gathering of national and international senior scouts were hosting their annual challenge.
The fire burned in their direction on Monday evening and looked as if it was going to head upwards over Gabriel's Pass. We were later to find out that the fire was to break away and head straight down the river instead.
Fortunately the fire missed the scout encampment at Kliphuis, although a large detachment of scouts stood by all night to evacuate.
The next morning, the entire mountain range was smouldering, the fire having been reported as heading up Gabriel's Pass to the upper reaches of the Wolfberg.
Fortunately, the scout camp at the Kliphuis campsite was spared from the fire.
The fire burned in their direction on Monday evening and looked as if it was going to head upwards over Gabriel's Pass. We were later to find out that the fire was to break away and head straight down the river instead.
Fortunately the fire missed the scout encampment at Kliphuis, although a large detachment of scouts stood by all night to evacuate.
The next morning, the entire mountain range was smouldering, the fire having been reported as heading up Gabriel's Pass to the upper reaches of the Wolfberg.
Fortunately, the scout camp at the Kliphuis campsite was spared from the fire.
Fire arrives at Sanddrif
An unexpected change in the wind and the fire split into at least 3 different fronts.
At this stage, the Working on Fire team responded to the emergency call and dispatched two helicopters accompanied by the fixed wind spotter plane. Fantastic assistance also came from the neighbouring farms, notably Driehoek, all members of the Cederberg Conservancy. Cape Nature was also supporting the fire fighters.
One front continued to burn up the Wolfberg and engulfed the world famous Wolfberg Cracks at lighting pace.
Another front burned along the Jeep Track, passing the Shale Band and converging with the third front near the Valley of the Red Gods.
The third front burned along the Driehoek River, crossing the river with impunity near to the former Landsdiens Camp, now called Rietgat.
At this stage, guests at Sanddrif started to evacuate.
At this stage, the Working on Fire team responded to the emergency call and dispatched two helicopters accompanied by the fixed wind spotter plane. Fantastic assistance also came from the neighbouring farms, notably Driehoek, all members of the Cederberg Conservancy. Cape Nature was also supporting the fire fighters.
Working on Fire - at work in the Cederberg - Dwarsrivier and Sanddrif
One front continued to burn up the Wolfberg and engulfed the world famous Wolfberg Cracks at lighting pace.
Another front burned along the Jeep Track, passing the Shale Band and converging with the third front near the Valley of the Red Gods.
The fire along the Jeep Track climbs the hill and threatens the Sanddrif campsite below.
The third front burned along the Driehoek River, crossing the river with impunity near to the former Landsdiens Camp, now called Rietgat.
The fire approaching the river in the direction of Rietgat. Prime Sanddrif cottage accommodation lies in its path.
Burning a path down towards Sanddrif accommodation from the Valley of the Red Gods
Threatening the legendary 'Dollie se Huis' accommodation unit
At this stage, guests at Sanddrif started to evacuate.
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