After nearly two weeks of non-stop firefighting, the blaze that tore through Krakadouw Peak and the surrounding Cederberg Wilderness Area has finally been contained. It’s been an intense 13-day effort, with over 20,000 hectares burned and countless hours poured in by fire crews, volunteers, and local supporters. But through it all, the Cederberg community pulled together—showing just how powerful teamwork can be in the face of a crisis. Now, with rain on the horizon and the worst behind us, it’s time to focus on recovery and give nature the chance to heal.
Rocklands Bouldering along Pakhuis Pass (Area A) is open, but all hiking trails and overnight routes in the area remain closed. Boulderers must obtain their permits online and stick strictly to designated paths leading to the bouldering areas. Please note: only unburnt sections are accessible—entry through burnt areas is strictly prohibited. Let’s help protect the landscape by respecting all closures and staying on marked routes.
@rocklands_visual_diary (Benjamin Malherbe), N. Hanekom & T. Veloen.
Krakadouw Peak Fire Contained After 13 Days of Intense Battle: A Community Effort in the Cederberg
20 March 2025
By Monique Ruthenberg – Conservation Manager at CapeNature
After a relentless 13-day battle, the fire that ravaged the Cederberg Wilderness Area has finally been contained. The fire, which started on the evening of Friday, March 7, 2025, on Krakadouw Peak, burned across a staggering 20,834 hectares, amounting to 97 kilometers of fireline. Although operations have been downscaled, fire teams continue to monitor the area for any flare-ups over the weekend, hopeful that the incoming rain will help to further cool the area and solidify containment efforts.
Over the past two weeks, firefighters and support teams have worked tirelessly to battle the blaze that affected the Cederberg Complex’s unique landscape and communities. The scale of the operation required an extraordinary level of coordination and resources. At the height of the fire, two base camps were set up, supporting the 10 Working on Fire (WOF) teams, 22 CapeNature ground crews, 12 skids, including skids and water Tankers from West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) and Greater Cederberg Fire Protection Association (GCFPA). The combined efforts involved not just coordinating the efforts and strategic placement of firefighters and aerial resources, but also various support Command Staff managing planning, operations, logistics, tourism aspects, media communication, and financials.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the teams on the ground, the firelines have now all been contained. As of this morning, fire crews are focused on monitoring the situation closely, particularly in the wake of last night’s rain, which has given crews renewed optimism that the worst may be behind us. With more rain expected over the next two days, we anticipate that we can rest easy by Sunday.
A Community United
The battle against the Krakadouw Peak fire has not only been a demonstration of professional fire management but also a testament to the power of community. Local farmers, residents, and businesses stepped up in numerous ways to support the firefighting efforts. Many farmers provided fire-fighting skids and water tanks, while others rallied around the cause to ensure that essential supplies such as food and water reached the teams on the front lines.
The contribution of local businesses was also invaluable, with organizations such as SPAR, Pick n Pay, Travellers Rest, Bushmankloof Lodge, and Kromrivier providing critical supplies of food and drinks for the fire teams. “As the old saying goes, ‘An army marches on its stomach,’. This was especially true during this operation, and we are eternally grateful to the teams from these businesses and the numerous individuals who donated or supported the preparation and supply of food and drinks. It made a huge difference.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Restoration
While the fire has been contained, there is still much work to be done in the aftermath. We ask visitors to exercise patience while management teams conduct thorough damage assessments of trails, tracks, and mountain huts in the area. We can confirm that no community or private property structures or homes have been reported lost in the fire. However, the impact on nature and the environment will be assessed and closely monitored. This recovery process is expected to take time.
The winter rains may bring localized flooding, which could cause further damage to already impacted trails, river systems, and mountain slopes. As such, we are requesting that visitors refrain from entering the affected area during the closure period, allowing nature the space to heal and regenerate. This will help in the revegetation process and provide Mother Nature with the opportunity to breathe and start the process of natural restoration.
Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the Cedar tree populations in the Cederberg Wilderness Area will be carried out in collaboration with Sustainable Cedar and our volunteers. This will ensure that we are able to preserve and restore the unique ecosystem that makes the Cederberg so special.
A Final Word of Gratitude
As the fire has now been brought under control, we continue to thank the many individuals, teams, and organizations who have contributed to this effort. The successful containment of the Krakadouw Peak fire is not only a victory for firefighting teams but a triumph of community spirit. Together, the people of Cederberg have shown incredible resilience and unity in the face of what many may call a crisis.
We will continue to monitor the situation and begin the long process of recovery. The cooperation and support we’ve received throughout this ordeal reaffirm that, in times of crisis, we can always rely on the strength of our community to come together and rebuild. The Cederberg will recover, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back once the area is ready.
Please Note: CapeNature Notice on Affected Areas
CapeNature has issued an official notice regarding the areas impacted by the Krakadouw Peak fire. Visitors are asked to stay clear of the affected zones within the Cederberg Wilderness Area while damage assessments and recovery efforts are underway. Trails, tracks, and mountain huts in the burned areas are currently closed to the public for safety reasons and to allow the environment time to recover. We kindly ask for your patience and cooperation during this period—respecting these closures will help protect both visitors and the fragile ecosystem as it begins to heal.
