Arson Suspected as Table Mountain National Park Fire Contained After Burning Houses and Cars

Working on Fire has confirmed that the Tafelberg Road Fire in Cape Town, South Africa, which broke out yesterday and caused injury to at least seven firefighters, has been contained. Video footage has reportedly emerged concerning the source of the fire, and a case of arson has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“About 100 firefighters are mopping up the burned area, assisting Table Mountain National Park (TMNP),” said Working on Fire in a social media update late Monday afternoon.

The fire destroyed homes and gutted several vehicles in its path, and – according to TMNP – burned an estimated 60 hectares of vegetation including fynbos and old pine stands.

SANParks tweeted devastating pictures yesterday evening, saying: “According to the City of Cape Town, five houses have been affected by the fire as well as six vehicles have been burnt… along Signal Hill Road.” Some homes in Clifton had to be evacuated.

Hotpots are being monitored this evening for potential flare ups, and according to SANParks – TMNP – some firefighters will remain at the scene overnight, including volunteers from Wildfire Volunteer Services (VWS).

Western Cape photographer Justin Sullivan captured the photos on this page last night as crews battled the fire in Cape Town and home owners faced the ember attack.

SANParks said the extremely strong wind and old veld made fighting the fire “incredibly hard”, making aerial support impossible yesterday.

The conditions led to the rapid spread of the fire. Today three Huey helicopters and a fixed wing Spotter plane were able to assist and wet the actively burning areas.

Table Mountain Fire May Have Been Arson, Firefighters Injured

Enviro Wildfire Services has been appointed to investigate the source of the fire. According to an SABC Western Cape report, the City of Cape Town is investigating the possibility that it was arson.

The City of Cape Town’s JP Smith says a police case has been opened. He told the SABC: “Residents and witnesses have come forward with video footage and with information that suggests that the fire was actively started by somebody. A case has been laid with Saps and the city’s investigative staff are engaging those residents, following up with investigations.”

Seven of the brave firefighters were injured and are receiving medical treatment.

Local residents and businesses were thanked for their kind donations of water, food and snacks for the firefighters.

Follow Justin Sullivan on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/SullivanPhotographyZA

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