Update | Thursday, 27 February 1pm:
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) management has confirmed that the Newlands Ravine blaze, which had spread to the front face of the mountain in TMNP, has been contained.
As a result, two popular hiking trails are reopened to the public, while others remain closed due to fire damage and safety concerns.
‘The Platteklip Gorge and Kloof Corner trails are now open to the public,’ said TMNP in its latest Facebook update.
‘Maclear’s Beacon and Devil’s Peak to Newlands remain closed. Tafelberg Road is closed from Platteklip parking towards Devil’s Peak. All trails in Newlands Forest are closed, including Rhodes Memorial and Block House.’
The organisation extended its gratitude to all the fire service and aerial resource organisations that participated in the efforts to contain the blaze, as well as to members of the public who generously donated food and beverage supplies to the firefighters.
The battle against Cape Town’s wildfires, however, is not over, as TMNP also confirmed that suppression efforts continue in Red Hill.
‘While the Redhill fire, which started later on Sunday, was tentatively contained yesterday afternoon, there was a flare-up later and three new fires,’ said TMNP.
‘These fires have been contained but fire suppression activities are still ongoing.’
Update | Wednesday, 26 February 3pm:
Despite hope that the fire tearing through the Table Mountain area will be contained soon, the animals caught in its wrath still face tremendous danger.
According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, inspectors have been on the scene, ready to search for and help the injured wildlife.
‘They won’t stop until they are sure that every animal in need of help has received it.’
The SPCA further shared tips with locals on how they can help provide relief to the wildlife.
- Put out shallow dishes of water for displaced animals. Add small stones so small animals can safely perch to drink.
- Be on the lookout for injured or displaced animals in your area.
- If you find an injured animal and it is safe to do so:
Gently place it in a ventilated cardboard box lined with a towel / if the animal is burned, a sheet.
Keep the animal calm by covering the box and keeping it away from pets and people.
Call the SPCA immediately on 021 700 4158/9.
Update | Tuesday, 25 February, 5pm:
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Management has confirmed that suppression efforts continue as firefighters actively battle the Newlands Ravine blaze, with this evening’s forecasted winds adding an extra dose of concern.
‘A key concern at this stage is the wind forecast for this evening, which could significantly impact the Red Hill to Da Gama Park section of the Table Mountain National Park,’ said SANParks.
‘Fire suppression efforts remain the top priority, with a focus on preventing further spread in these areas.’
According to the latest update, ground crews and aerial resources have also been diverted to assist in containing a separate fire in Red Hill alongside City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Services. Additional aerial resources will also be deployed from Stellenbosch Airfield.
Mountain users are once again warned that all trails in Newlands, Devil’s Peak and Maclear’s Beacon remain closed until further notice.
‘Rockfalls and fire damage to boardwalks have rendered these trails unsafe for hikers,’ TMNP emphasised.
A large wildfire has flared up in Newlands Ravine, prompting an urgent response from firefighting teams, Cape {town} Etc reports.
SANParks confirmed that both aerial and ground crews have been deployed to contain the fire, which is burning in rugged, inaccessible terrain.
Increasing wind speeds have intensified the fire, posing significant challenges to containment efforts. The strong winds also hinder aerial firefighting as it significantly impacts the control and stability of the helicopter.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with further updates expected as efforts to control the blaze continue.
Newlands Forest and certain trails to Devil’s Peak have been closed to the public due to the fire, which has caused damage to the Contour Path boardwalk and resulted in rockfalls. Hikers are urged to stay away from the area.
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Picture: SANParks / Facebook
