What caused fire at Laborie Wine Estate? Inside the dramatic blaze that rocked Paarl

A major fire incident sent shockwaves through the Boland on Saturday afternoon as flames tore through parts of the historic Laborie Wine Estate in Paarl, leaving two structures destroyed and prompting a massive emergency response. While firefighters have since brought the blaze under control, the incident highlighted both the vulnerability of heritage sites and the growing challenges faced by emergency services amid harsh weather conditions.

The fire broke out at the popular Laborie Estate, a well-known destination celebrated for its wine tourism, accommodation facilities, and fine dining experiences. According to the Drakenstein Municipality, the inferno severely damaged the Cucina Di Giovanni restaurant as well as the first wing of the estate’s accommodation facilities. Both structures were completely destroyed before crews could halt the spread.

Emergency teams from the Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services were the first to respond after the blaze was reported on Saturday afternoon. However, what initially appeared to be a contained structural fire quickly escalated due to strong and unpredictable winds sweeping across the area. These conditions made firefighting efforts significantly more difficult, forcing authorities to mobilise additional resources to prevent further devastation.

Municipal spokesperson Zulpha Petersen confirmed that despite the challenges posed by the weather, firefighters succeeded in containing the fire. She explained that active flames had been brought under control and that damping-down operations — a critical phase aimed at preventing flare-ups — were now underway. Fire crews remain stationed at the site to monitor hotspots and ensure the fire does not reignite.

Crucially, Petersen noted that the Manor House and the second wing of the accommodation facilities were spared from the flames and are no longer under threat. This development brought some relief to residents, business owners, and visitors who feared the fire could engulf larger portions of the estate.

Recognising the scale of the incident, firefighting units from the Stellenbosch Municipality and the Cape Winelands District Municipality were deployed to reinforce local teams. Their support proved vital in containing the fire’s spread, particularly as wind gusts continued to fan embers across the property.

To further strengthen operations, helicopters were brought in to conduct aerial water drops, providing crucial assistance to ground crews battling the blaze from below. The coordinated air-and-ground response played a key role in slowing the fire’s advance and protecting nearby structures.

While no injuries have been reported, authorities have stressed that the situation remains delicate. Petersen reiterated that strong winds are still present in the area, requiring emergency services to remain on high alert. She also appealed to members of the public to cooperate fully by keeping the main road leading to the estate clear, allowing firefighting vehicles and support units unhindered access to the scene.

The fire at Laborie Wine Estate serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by tourism and heritage sites, particularly during periods of extreme weather. As investigations into the cause of the blaze are expected to follow, attention now turns to recovery efforts and the long road to rebuilding the damaged sections of the estate.

For now, authorities say their priority remains ensuring the fire is fully extinguished and that no further structures are placed at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What caused the fire at Laborie Wine Estate?
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Investigations are expected once the area is declared safe.

Which parts of Laborie Estate were destroyed?
The Cucina Di Giovanni restaurant and the first wing of the accommodation facilities were completely destroyed.

Is the fire fully extinguished?
Firefighters have contained the blaze, but damping-down operations are ongoing to prevent flare-ups.

Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries have been reported so far.

Why were helicopters used during the operation?
Helicopters were deployed to assist ground crews through aerial water drops, especially due to strong wind conditions.