Fire crews have contained a blaze at the Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl, in the Boland region of South Africa. The Drakenstein Municipality reports that the fires affecting the Cucina Di Giovanni restaurant and the first wing of the accommodation facilities have been brought under control, with damping-down operations now underway.
A fire broke out at the historic Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl, part of the Boland wine region, prompting a swift response from fire crews. According to the Drakenstein Municipality, the blaze impacted the Cucina Di Giovanni restaurant and the first wing of the estate's accommodation facilities. Crews successfully contained these fires, and damping-down efforts are currently in progress to prevent re-ignition.
The Manor House and the second accommodation wing escaped direct threat from the flames. Spokesperson Zulpha Petersen noted that strong winds are still presenting challenges to the operation. "All teams remain on high alert and are monitoring the area closely," she stated. Petersen also appealed to the public to avoid the main road near the estate to allow emergency services unobstructed access as they continue their work.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of historic sites like Laborie to environmental factors such as wind during fire seasons in the Western Cape. No further details on the cause of the fire or any injuries were immediately available from the municipality.
