The Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape says fire crews are making steady progress in battling the Paarl Mountain blaze.

Spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto says the left flank of the fire has been contained but the right flank remains challenging due to dense vegetation.

Otto says firefighters may implement a controlled fire break.

“The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s firefighters are considering many options on how to contain the last division of the fire. If conditions remain favourable, this may include a ‘back burn’ to create a fire break and facilitate mopping up operations. A back burn is when the responsible fire authority sets a fire line ahead of the fire to create a section of ground into which the fire can burn, making it smaller and more manageable due to the lower fuel load. Residents are advised not to be alarmed should they see more renewed smoke and flames.”