Wildfire engulfs over 2,000 hectares of Table Mountain

BY MONDAY evening, the wildfire that had been raging for three days, tearing through the Table Mountain National Park, remained uncontained, with over 2,000 hectares of vegetation burned. 

The wildfires started in Tokai on Friday and had spread across the national park, with almost 200 houses evacuated.

Hundreds of firefighters from various agencies, including aerial support, had been actively working throughout the weekend to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby communities, including Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly.

“While fire conditions in the Zwaanswyk, Ou Kaapse Weg, Silvermine, and Noordhoek areas are reported to be under control, crews are continuously monitoring for flare-ups. Early this morning, four helicopters began water bombing operations to assist ground crews in their efforts,” Sanparks said Monday. 

While no structural damage had been reported, approximately 2,600 hectares of vegetation were affected by the fire, said Sanparks. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and other welfare organisations were also on site, monitoring the animals impacted by the fire.

Resources from the Table Mountain National Park Fire Management, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Provincial Disaster Management, Enviro Wildfire Services, Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Services, City Biodiversity Management and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services were actively on-site. 

“Teams will continue to address hotspots throughout the night, although aerial operations will conclude before 7 pm due to darkness. There is a continued concern regarding the presence of cyclists in areas that have been closed off due to fire damage and ongoing firefighting operations. The public is urged to comply with all trail closures to ensure their safety. It is strongly recommended that members of the public avoid accessing the central and southern sections of Table Mountain National Park at this time.”

The City’s Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said the situation remained “fluid and four choppers are water bombing the area”.

“More than 100 City Firefighters are on scene, being assisted by TMNP, NCC and VWS.