Fires move from Deer Park to Camps Bay

A wildfire that started in the Deer Park area of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) on Tuesday afternoon has spread towards Devil’s Peak, prompting the deployment of ground crews and aerial support.

SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, said the fire is being fuelled by extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds.

“The fire is spreading rapidly due to adverse weather conditions, including spotting and high temperatures. Our crews are on the ground and in the air, and public safety remains our top priority,” he said.

Access to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway via Tafelberg Road remains open, except for the section of road beyond the ablution facilities.

Several popular hiking routes have been closed, including:

• All trails within Deer Park and above Tafelberg Road
• Footpaths and jeep tracks leading to Camps Bay
• Pipe Track
• All routes accessing Camps Bay from Back Table and Apostle Battery
• Trails above the Twelve Apostles

Mr Louw urged the public to avoid the affected areas and follow the instructions of emergency personnel, thanking residents for their cooperation.

Yesterday, Monday September 29, saw firefighters tackling two separate blazes in Cape Town.

The most urgent incident was reported just after midday on the mountain slopes near Hely Hutchinson Avenue in Bakoven, Camps Bay. Crews from Constantia, Brooklyn and Sea Point responded, working alongside TMNP teams.

The City's Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said that no properties were under threat.

As a precaution, trails including the Pipe Track, jeep tracks to Camps Bay, and footpaths above the Twelve Apostles were temporarily closed.

Around 50 firefighters from SANParks, the City of Cape Town, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), and Working on Fire (WoF) were deployed, supported by aerial resources.

Earlier the same day, at 12:20pm, a separate fire broke out in the Cape Town CBD at the corner of Hans Strijdom and Bree Street. Crews from Roeland Street and Salt River contained the blaze, which had spread through an external ventilation ducting system.

“Firefighters managed to access the ducting 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,” said Mr Carelse.

Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to stay clear of affected areas and to monitor official updates as containment efforts continue.