Cape Town wildfire scorches more than 2,600 hectares – UPDATE

The wildfire in the Tokai and Silvermine areas of Table Mountain National Park continues to burn uncontrollably.

Firefighting teams, supported by aerial units, have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze and protect surrounding communities such as Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly.

According to SANParks’ latest update, while the situation in areas like Zwaanswyk, Ou Kaapse Weg, Silvermine, and Noordhoek has improved and is now under control, crews remain vigilant, closely monitoring for any flare-ups.

Early this morning, four helicopters began water bombing operations to assist ground crews in their efforts.

Fortunately, there has been no structural damage reported, although approximately 2 600 hectares of vegetation have been impacted by the fire.

All available resources from the Table Mountain National Park Fire Management, NCC Environmental Services and 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 are actively on-site.

Teams will continue to address hotspots throughout the night, although aerial operations will conclude before 19:00 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.

Road closures

Ou Kaapse Weg is now open to the public.

However, SANParks has asked everyone not to stop and hike into the burnt areas.

Some spots are still hot, and people have already attempted to access closed sections of the park.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and other welfare organisations are already on site, monitoring the animals that have been impacted by the fire.

As a precaution, the following areas will remain closed until further notice:

– Tokai and Silvermine, both east and west hiking trails will remain closed to the public.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will issue further updates as conditions change.

Donations

The City of Cape Town has issued a call for public support, asking for donations to sustain the firefighters working under extreme conditions.

The immediate needs for the crews include:

• Bottled water
• Nutritional drinks such as Energade and Powerade
• Energy bars
• Saline-based eye drops to alleviate discomfort caused by smoke and ash

Officials emphasised the importance of keeping firefighters hydrated and energised as they face gruelling conditions on the fire lines.

Those wishing to assist are asked to deliver donations to designated collection points set up by the City.

Those donation points include:

• Newlands Fire Base
• Lakeside fire station
• Hair Gallery – 41 Tokai Road
• Pick n Pay Steenberg Village