Fires rage in Camps Bay and Cape Town CBD

Firefighters have battled two separate fire incidents in Cape Town today, as strong winds complicate efforts to contain the blazes.

The most urgent fire is currently burning on the mountain slopes near Hely Hutchinson Avenue in Bakoven, Camps Bay, according to the City’s Fire & Rescue Service spokesman Jermaine Carelse.

The incident was reported to their department around midday today, Monday, September 29.

He said crews from Constantia, Brooklyn, and Sea Point are on scene, working alongside Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) personnel.

“No property is currently in danger as the fire remains high up the mountain,” said Mr Carelse.

"As a precaution, several hiking trails have been temporarily closed to the public, including the Pipe Track, footpaths and jeep tracks to Camps Bay, trails above the Twelve Apostles, and all footpaths accessing Camps Bay from Back Table and Apostle Battery," he said.

A SANParks statement confirmed the deployment of ground crews and stated that the situation is being closely monitored. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Currently, an estimated 50 firefighters from SANParks, the City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), and Working on Fire (WoF) are actively tackling the blaze. Aerial support has been activated, with a helicopter from George expected to arrive within two hours to assist with waterbombing operations, said the statement.

Earlier today, just after noon, a separate fire broke out in the Cape Town CBD at the corner of Hans Strijdom and Bree Street.

The building fire was reported at around 12:20pm. Crews from Roeland Street and Salt River responded with a specialised vehicle, said Mr Carelse.

“The fire was located in the external ventilation ducting system. Firefighters managed to access it so that active firefighting could take place. The blaze has since been contained, with no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown," he said.

City Fire & Rescue Services urge residents to stay clear of affected areas, follow updates from authorities, and exercise caution while the fires are being managed.