WATCH: Fire, strong winds destroy heritage buildings on famous wine estate
Historic buildings on an iconic wine estate in Stellenbosch were reduced to rubble by a devastating fire on Sunday morning.
During adverse weather conditions, a fire erupted early on Sunday morning and destroyed three heritage buildings on Blaauwklippen Estate in Stellenbosch.
The fire broke out at a neighbouring farm in the area. Fanned by strong winds, the fire spread to the Manor House and then to the Jonkershuis and eventually the Cathedral.
All three buildings were raised to the ground.
These buildings held significant historical value for one of Stellenbosch’s oldest wine farms, with origins tracing back to 1682.
The Jonkershuis, erected in 1720, and Manor House, dating back to 1789, were a central part of the estate’s heritage.
The Cathedral was a recent addition, completed in 2018, and was known as a popular wedding venue.
Quick response from fire-fighting teams
Six fire-fighting teams were on the scene shortly after the fire started. Among them were Blaauwklippen’s Disaster Management unit and members of neighbouring farms.
The blaze was one of five concurrent fires in the area. This on a weekend where gale-force winds and stormy weather conditions battered parts on the Western Cape.
The South African Weather Service issued a level 9 warning for the southern parts of the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts. Schools in these areas have been forced to close.
“Strong winds have already pummelled various areas, fueling fires particularly in the Cape Winelands – most of which have been contained,” Western Province premier Alan Winde said on Sunday.
No injuries reported
According to wine.co.za, no injuries were reported in the Blaauwklippen fire.
“It’s a sad day indeed for Blaauwklippen as heritage landmarks have been destroyed in the terrible blaze,” said a statement from Blaauwklippen management.
“The sadness is made easier to bear by the gratitude that no lives were lost, and we acknowledge the swift evacuation and heroic efforts of our personnel – Stefan, Chrisma and their teams, who ensured that no one was injured.”