Fire rages in upper Tokai

Firefighters are battling a blaze towards Elephant Eye and the Gym Thickets, in the Tokai area.

COURTESY: Facebook - SANParks - Table Mountain National Park

The South African National Parks (SANParks) says this is the third fire that broke out yesterday afternoon and in the early evening in the Lower and Upper Tokai areas of the Table Mountain National Park.

SANParks says the two fires were successfully contained overnight.

‘’Fire crews are working to prevent the blaze from spreading into the trees in that area. A helicopter was launched at first light supported by ground teams from the SANParks firefighters and Volunteer Wildfire Services. The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services are supporting ground fire fighting efforts,’’ said JP Louw, SANParks spokesperson.

All trails in Tokai, including the elephants Eye footpath are closed. Louw advised hikers to avoid access from Silvermine above the fire zone for their safety.

Louw alleges that arson could be behind the fire, but investigations are underway.

‘’ We are investigating the causes of fires as preliminary investigations suggest they were started deliberately. Anyone with information pertaining to the fire is encouraged to come forward to help the investigation,’’ he said.

 

Done By: Mitchum George