A WEEK OF FIRE IN THE MOUNTAINS  – No End in Sight

Northam – A massive wildfire has been raging in the mountains near Leadwood farms since Sunday evening, 31 August 2025. 

What began as a blaze near Leadwood quickly spread to Kransberg Wildsplaas before shifting back again with the changing winds.

At this stage, it remains unclear how many hectares have been reduced to ash. What is certain, however, is that the fire has now entered its second week without being contained.

“The fire has been raging without pause for more than a week now,” said Corrie Prinsloo, director of Thaba Fire & Rescue, on Tuesday, 9 September 2025. “High in the mountains it still burns fiercely, showing no signs of slowing.”

DIFFICULT TO ACCESS
The blaze is tearing through rugged terrain where there are no roads, making direct firefighting nearly impossible. Currently, the fire is moving east towards Thabazimbi, burning dangerously close to Eskom’s transmission powerlines.

“In the mountains, all we can do is watch and wait,” Prinsloo explained. “Only when the fire moves down into more accessible areas can we actively fight it.”

Authorities warn that strong winds could force the fire to change direction at any moment – running parallel to the powerlines towards Makoppa and Oom Hennie Briel’s property, or back towards Kransberg, the same area devastated by fires two years ago.

UNITED EFFORT
Despite the challenges, local farmers, Northam Fire & Rescue, Thaba Fire & Rescue, and African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) have been working together to monitor and fight the fire where possible.

“The support from the farming community and our partners has been outstanding,” said Prinsloo. “Every bit of effort counts in a fire of this scale.”

CALL TO LANDOWNERS
With the Fire Danger Index (FDI) at a high level, landowners are urged to stay vigilant, monitor closely, and report flare-ups immediately. The risk of further destruction is severe as strong winds continue to fan the flames.

To report a fire, please contact Northam Fire & Rescue or Thaba Fire & Rescue on 071 622 2702.