NATIONAL NEWS - Firefighters worked through the night to try to contain a fire burning in the Silvermine section of Table Mountain National Park, between Tokai and Noordhoek, in the Southern Peninsula.
The fire in Upper Tokai in Table Mountain National Park, which broke out on Friday and has affected several areas, was largely contained until yesterday, when it intensified significantly due to a sudden shift in wind direction and increased wind speeds.
This morning, Jermaine Carelse, the spokesperson for Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, reported that no major flare-ups were reported overnight, but one female firefighter was injured and taken to hospital.
“As of last night, the fire was creeping down Boyes Drive, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek side, while on the Ou Kaapse Weg side, it moved towards Noordhoek.
“Crews remained on the fire line throughout the night,” the city said.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and urge the public to stay away from these areas.”
An Incident Management Team type 3 has been activated and will work on a 12-hour rotation. “This provides greater oversight in managing the incident.”
Maximising capacity to surround the fire
Last night, the City of Cape Town said the fire area has been divided into five to maximise capacity and ‘surround’ the fire, taking into account the wind speed and direction.
“As a precautionary measure, Disaster Risk Management fire services assisted with the evacuation of 198 households from the Noordhoek Manor, including 48 frail care residents.
“The residents of Barnyard and Silwersteen have decided to evacuate. The situation is still fluid, and five choppers are still water bombing.”
“Crews are monitoring Ou Kaapse Weg, Clovelly side, Tokai and Boyes Drive.
“This fire is not contained and we urge the public to stay away from the areas in question.”
“The only damage reports received were that of a vehicle that caught alight in the Silvermine parking area,” the City of Cape Town said.
The evacuees are staying with friends and family and at the Fish Hoek Civic Centre, where healthcare services are attending to them.
“Residents are encouraged to check in on their neighbours, especially the elderly, or those who may need assistance.
“Residents with pre-existing health conditions, elderly individuals and children must take extra precautions during smoky conditions.
“It is advised to put a damp cloth over the mouth and nose to limit smoke inhalation. Monitor for symptoms of smoke exposure, such as coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, or chest pain. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention as necessary.”
Donations in the form of water, energy drinks and bars, as well as non-perishable items, may be dropped off at Lakeside Fire Station.
Photo: Deon Collison/Cape Town – The Most Beautiful City In The World/Facebook
Cape of Good Hope SPCA
Last night, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA posted on Facebook that its teams were spread wide, stationed at various points around the fire perimeter, watching for fleeing animals.
“But with the fire still raging, all we could do was watch, wait, and be ready.”
“Everyone who was evacuated was safely accommodated – pets and people together, safe for the night. Horses have been moved from the area, baboons are all accounted for, but the wild animals caught in the fire’s path? They’re still out there – injured and in pain.
“As soon as the authorities give the green light, we move.
“It will be slow, exhausting and hot work for our fire-trained team, but search we will – until we’re sure that not one animal in need of help has been left behind.”
Last night, more than 100 city firefighters were on the scene, assisted by Table Mountain National Park firefighters, Enviro Wildfire Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management and additional support teams.
Members of the public are strongly urged to stay away from accessing the central and south sections of Table Mountain National Park.
Photo: Fish Hoek Valley Info/Facebook
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