Update:
At 6:45pm, SANParks announced that although the fire was contained, the area remained hot. Aerial resources will remain on the scene while ground crews continue with mop-up operations.
Three helicopters are currently water-bombing a fire that broke out in Da Gama Park.
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As of 5pm, SANParks reported that crews are facing ‘exceptionally challenging conditions’ as they combat the blaze along the Lewis Gay Dam.
As the wind intensified significantly, the fire spread across the mountain slopes in a long band between Lewis Gay Dam above Da Gama Park towards Blues Water Estate and Ocean View.
Additional crews from Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) are en route.
According to SANParks, three Huey helicopters and a spotter are currently tending to the fire line alongside 80 firefighters from NCC Wildfires, VWS, Ocean View Environmental Volunteer Services and the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services.
Additional ground teams from the Provincial Disaster Risk Management and Volunteer Wildfire Services have been requested.
This is a developing story.
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