Firefighters continue to battle several blazes near Table Mountain

Firefighters are still battling to contain several blazes near Table Mountain. The fires broke out on Saturday, believed to be sparked by lighting.

According to the South African National Parks (SANParks), the Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), burnt approximately 220 hectares of veld.

COURTESY: Volunteer Wildlife Services

SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, says overnight flare-ups have been reported behind Newlands and Kirstenbosch.

Louw says Wednesday morning’s drizzle has helped contain the fire's spread on the Back Table, but isolated hot spots, as well as falling trees and rockfalls, he added, remains a concern.

‘’Therefore, hiking trails between Constantia Nek and Newlands, Maclears Beacon, Back Table, Platteklip Gorge, as well as trails leading to the Back Table between Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Orangekloof, remain closed.’’

‘’The priority remains the safety of residents, hikers, and firefighters, therefore we encourage users to refrain from accessing these areas. TMNP fire management will assess trail conditions in Constantia Nek and Newlands later in the day to determine potential reopening,’’ added JP Louw, SANParks spokesperson.

About sixty firefighters from NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Working on Fire are deployed in various areas to monitor along the fires.

COURTESY: Volunteer Wildlife Services

Members of the public are urged to donate beverages, hot meals, energy bars, and more for firefighters.

‘’SANParks is appealing for continued support in the form of donations for firefighters of 500l bottles of water and energy drinks; energy bars; warm meals and sealed lunch box snacks , which may be dropped off at the Newlands Fire Base,’’ said Louw.

 

Done by: Mitchum George