Nearly 200 households evacuated amid Table Mountain fire
A major wildfire burning through parts of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in Cape Town has forced the evacuation of 198 households in high-risk areas, while a female firefighter was injured and taken to hospital.
The fire began on Friday in Tokai, spreading across sections of Constantiaberg and Silvermine East, triggering road closures and widespread smoke over much of the Cape Peninsula.
Although initially brought under control on Saturday, the fire reignited, requiring renewed firefighting efforts.
Firefighting crews are actively managing five fire lines across the city’s South Peninsula, with around 250 firefighters from various agencies working through the night.
Winds were calm earlier in the evening but strengthened around midnight, causing flare-ups and challenging conditions.
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According to SANParks spokesperson JP Louw, fresh teams were deployed on Monday morning to relieve overnight crews, and four helicopters remain on standby for water-bombing as soon as visibility improves.
“The fire remains uncontained and is now close to Boyes Drive, above St James and Kalk Bay. The right flank stretches between Ou Kaapse Weg and Steenberg Peak, with teams focused on keeping the fire from reaching Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly,” he said.
Several road closures are in effect in the South Peninsula, including:
- Main Road and Boyes Drive
- Main Road, Lakeside
- Main Road and Clairvaux
- Noordhoek and Old Kaapse Weg/Boyes Drive
- Steenberg Road and Tokai Road near the traffic circle
While no structural damage has been reported so far, approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation have been destroyed.
Helicopters resumed operations on Monday morning as conditions allowed, with crews assessing fire movement.
“Table Mountain has four choppers on standby, and there was an assessment this morning to track fire direction due to expected wind shifts,” said City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
The public is advised to avoid the area, and road closures remain in effect.
Donations of water, energy drinks, energy bars, and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Lakeside Fire Station to support firefighting teams.
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