Fire causes havoc in Gordon’s Bay

By Yamkela Xhaso
09 December

Residents are slowly returning to their homes in Gordon’s Bay as fire-fighters continue to battle flames on the mountain above the False Bay town.

Cape Town Disaster Risk Management says three houses were damaged last night after dozens of residents were forced to evacuate their homes.

Hundreds of fire-fighters are still on the scene as helicopters remain on standby.The fire intensified on the slopes of the mountain above Gordon’s Bay in False Bay was completely out of control late last night and a number of people had to leave their homes.

At least three houses were devastated by the flames while a number of others were damaged.

At least nine fire fighters had to be treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and others were left exhausted. The flames were being fanned by a gale force wind and fire fighters fear weather conditions today could be even worse. Temperatures were expected to top 33 degrees by midday.


The blaze has now spread to the Steenbras Dam catchment area.

Chief Officer for fire and rescue for the City of Cape Town Ian Schnetler said that the fire was not yet under control. “Most of our resources are still deployed in the Gordon’s Bay area”

“We have another fire developing out in South Peninsula”

Schnetler said that in the South Peninsula they were assisted by the Table Mountain National Park resources.