Firefighters combat blaze in Hout Bay and Camps Bay

South African National Parks' (SANParks) Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is calling on anyone hiking along the Twelve Apostles trails or related paths to evacuate the area. 

The City's Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending to slopes ablaze in the area stretching between Hout Bay and Camps Bay, which broke out at about 1.15pm today, Wednesday January 28.

Sea, aerial, and mountain (SEAM) operators have been mobilised to assist with hiker evacuations. 

Anyone aware of friends and family hiking along the trails must be immediately advised of the fire. 

SANParks has confirmed that trails surrounding the Back Table, Apostle Battery, and the Twelve Apostles are closed.

Park Avenue Road has also been closed to traffic.

Residents and the public are urged to follow official instructions and avoid the affected areas.

The initial incident was reported at approximately 1.15pm as vegetation alight at the corner of Park Avenue and Valley Road in Hout Bay.

Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Jermaine Carelse said that shortly thereafter, reports followed, with calls received about slopes alight above Llandudno.

"City firefighters are being assisted by crews from the Table Mountain National Park, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and NCC Wildfire," he said.

Two helicopters are on site, actively waterbombing the affected areas to suppress the flames.

Crews are tirelessly working to contain the fire, with operations currently coordinated by the Incident Management Team (IMT) Type Four.

"While there are reports that some property has been affected by the fire, further details will be confirmed once more information becomes available," said Mr Carelse.

Residents are urged to remain cautious and cooperate with emergency services personnel in the area.

This is a joint effort between SANParks and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, as well as multiple support services.

This is a developing story.

Find Sentinel News on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza.