The ongoing battle against the wildfire, which began along the Hout Bay Pipe Track on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, has been complicated by changing weather conditions, particularly shifting winds that have exacerbated the fire’s left flank.
According to a statement from SANParks – Table Mountain National Park, the affected area remains extensive and is under continuous surveillance by dedicated fire crews throughout the evening.
The crews are working tirelessly to monitor and combat the blaze, which has sparked anxiety among residents and environmentalists alike, SANParks said.
The Hout Bay fire that started above the Pipe Track on Tuesday is spreading towards the Constantia Valley, with smoke and a strong burning smell reported across the area on Wednesday morning, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to a Deep South Report, the blaze appears to have breached Constantiaberg and is now moving down towards the valley, placing nearby communities on alert.
By 6pm on Tuesday, the head of the fire had been contained, though crews reported that it continued to burn along the left flank. It was also confirmed that the fire was moving up the back of Vlakkenberg.
Overnight, changing winds caused flare-ups along the left flank, with the fire remaining active high on the slopes.
At first light, helicopters were arranged to support firefighting efforts as crews prepared to tackle the blaze from above but is limited at times by low cloud.
esidents in the Constantia and Tokai Valley woke to visible smoke plumes and an intense smell of smoke in the air.
In its latest update, SANParks confirmed that around 70 firefighters remain on the fire line, supported by partner agencies, with an additional 30 ground crews deployed this morning.
‘Strong winds and low clouds continue to hamper operations, though crews are working to contain the fire across Vlakkenberg and Constantia,’ the organisation said. ‘Approximately 160 hectares have burned.’
Residents with respiratory concerns have been advised to keep doors and windows closed. SANParks has also urged the public to stay away from all paths and trails in the Constantia and Constantia Nek areas.
Officials have appealed to the public not to gather to watch the fire and to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
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Picture: Deep South Report / Facebook
