Table Mountain fire takes a bad turn with concerns it could get worse

A fire that broke out on the Newlands Ravine at Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town on Sunday morning has flared up again.

This was confirmed by SA National Parks (SANParks) on Tuesday.

It said aerial and ground resources have been deployed, but the latest fires are burning in inaccessible terrain.

Reports nearby claimed smoke from the fire was blowing into the city, but SANparks has called for calm.

Spokesperson Charles Phahlane said rescuers and fire fighters have also been diverted to assist in containing a separate fire in Red Hill.

Additional aerial resources are set to be deployed from Stellenbosch Airfield.

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Concerns of further damage

SANParks had earlier said flare-ups were expected throughout the week, and Phahlane expressed concern about wind forecast for the region on Tuesday evening.

“This could significantly impact the Red Hill to Da Gama Park section of the Table Mountain National Park. Fire suppression efforts remain the top priority, with a focus on preventing further spread in these areas.”

These are the hiking trails closed

Newlands Forest is closed, especially the contour path which is badly damaged and very unstable.

All trails in Newlands, Devil’s Peak, and Maclear’s Beacon are also closed until further notice because rockfalls and fire damage to boardwalks have left them unsafe for hikers.

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SANparks said Sunday’s fire had burned approximately 60 hectares of veld.

Additional reporting by Brian Sokutu