Firefighters have been waging a fierce battle against a wildfire that erupted in Table Mountain National Park over the past several days, with the flames now edging closer to the core of Cape Town. Local authorities reported that while the blaze, originating in the Newlands area, has burned for multiple days, strong winds accelerated its movement towards the bustling central business district overnight.
Wildfire Threatens Cape Town as Firefighters Engage in Ongoing Battle at Table Mountain
Wildfire Threatens Cape Town as Firefighters Engage in Ongoing Battle at Table Mountain
A relentless wildfire in Table Mountain National Park spreads toward Cape Town's heart, prompting concerns and extensive firefighting efforts.
Edward Bosch, spokesperson for the Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, characterized the situation as "extensive" but noted that as of Wednesday morning, there was no immediate threat to downtown Cape Town. However, he cautioned that the situation could change quickly due to shifting winds and evolving conditions. Firefighters are still assessing the size of the fire and the potential damage to property.
To safeguard public safety, all trails in Table Mountain National Park—which attracts both locals and tourists for hiking—have been closed since the fire broke out earlier this week. Current estimates indicate the wildfire has devastated at least 148 acres of land. Authorities have expressed concerns about the safety of hikers who may still be in certain restricted areas.
Additionally, firefighters are addressing a separate fire in the Red Hill sector of the park. Fortunately, no evacuation orders have been issued at this time. Bosch confirmed that two helicopters were engaged in water-bombing the blaze early Wednesday morning, while a third helicopter was en route from Stellenbosch, pending favorable conditions.
More than 80 local firefighters from various agencies have been mobilized to combat the flames. Meanwhile, operators of the iconic cable car that connects Table Mountain to the downtown area announced temporary closures until further notice due to smoke.
In recent years, the Western Cape province has experienced multiple significant mountain fires, heightening concerns among Cape Town residents living near the mountain's foothills. Ecologists are advocating for national park officials to implement more controlled burnings to mitigate the risks of uncontrollable wildfires in the future.
To safeguard public safety, all trails in Table Mountain National Park—which attracts both locals and tourists for hiking—have been closed since the fire broke out earlier this week. Current estimates indicate the wildfire has devastated at least 148 acres of land. Authorities have expressed concerns about the safety of hikers who may still be in certain restricted areas.
Additionally, firefighters are addressing a separate fire in the Red Hill sector of the park. Fortunately, no evacuation orders have been issued at this time. Bosch confirmed that two helicopters were engaged in water-bombing the blaze early Wednesday morning, while a third helicopter was en route from Stellenbosch, pending favorable conditions.
More than 80 local firefighters from various agencies have been mobilized to combat the flames. Meanwhile, operators of the iconic cable car that connects Table Mountain to the downtown area announced temporary closures until further notice due to smoke.
In recent years, the Western Cape province has experienced multiple significant mountain fires, heightening concerns among Cape Town residents living near the mountain's foothills. Ecologists are advocating for national park officials to implement more controlled burnings to mitigate the risks of uncontrollable wildfires in the future.
