Fire Contained in Parts of Table Mountain National Park, But Hazards Remain

Following multiple wildfires that ignited in Tokai on Friday, 25 April, firefighting efforts in the South Peninsula have been scaled back as authorities confirm progress in bringing the blaze under control.

According to Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service, several zones within Table Mountain National Park have now been declared safe. "The area along Boyes Drive into Kalk Bay, around Clovelly, and along Ou Kaapse Weg into Noordhoek has been deemed safe," he stated.

However, not all areas are accessible just yet. Carelse noted that there are still lingering hotspots near Klein Constantia that crews are currently unable to reach, though they are being monitored. At Tokai Manor House, both the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) and the NCC Environmental Services remained on duty overnight and will stay on-site until the area is fully secure.

South African National Parks (SANParks) echoed the message of caution. While no active flames remain, officials have warned that the burnt zones spanning Upper Tokai, Silvermine, Constantia Nek, Boyes Drive, Noordhoek, Clovelly, and Chapman’s Peak continue to pose risks.

“Although no active fire lines remain, the burnt areas... remain volatile and hazardous,” SANParks stated, urging hikers, cyclists, and all members of the public to steer clear. Hidden hotspots, unstable trees, and smouldering underground roots can still be dangerous.

Mop-up operations are ongoing, and the public is advised to stay out of the affected areas until authorities give the all-clear.

Source info and image: www.capetownetc.com