The fire which broke out on Table Mountain on Sunday caused severe damage to property. Photo @TableMountainNP / Twitter
Table Mountain fire: City of Cape Town presses arson charges
A devastating fire broke out on the lower slopes of Table Mountain on Sunday afternoon.
The fire which broke out on Table Mountain on Sunday caused severe damage to property. Photo @TableMountainNP / Twitter
The City of Cape Town has opened a case with the South African Police Services (SAPS), following a fire that broke out on Table Mountain over the weekend.
The devastating blaze, which was fueled by strong winds, left a trail of destruction along the Signal Hill area.
Suspected arson behind Table Mountain Fire
Several cars and homes were damaged as the winds thwarted firefighting efforts, with some residents evacuated from the area.
Speaking to the SABC, City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member JP Smith said they are of the understanding that the fire may have been started deliberately.
“Once the fire is extinguished, we will get underway compiling an incident report which will include a damage assessment and trying to establish what caused the fire. Residents and witnesses have come forward with video footage and with information that suggests that the fire was actively started by somebody. A case has been laid with SAPS and the city’s investigative staff is engaging those residents, following up with investigations.”
JP Smith
Trail of devastation
Firefighting crews were dispatched to the scene when a cloud of smoke appeared along Tafelberg Road at around noon on Sunday.
#TafelbergRoadFire
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) March 15, 2020
Fire not contained!!
Ground crew numbers have increased to more than 200 firefighters from Table Mountain National Park, NCC Wildfires, the City of Cape Town fire and rescue, Volunteer Wildlife Services and Working on Fire. pic.twitter.com/8FGLZhEKUw
Residents’ property was not spared as the devastating blaze destroyed six cars and caused damage to at least five houses.
About 230 firefighting personnel were on the scene, and the fire was eventually contained on Monday morning.
Fire Update ⚠️
— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) March 17, 2020
?#TafelbergRoadFire
WOF deployed 5 teams to assist the @TableMountainNP with the mop up operations.
Two WOF teams that worked overnight have been relieved.#SavingLives#ProtectingTheEnviroment
@CPFPA1 pic.twitter.com/bf18lEbBTf
According to the City of Cape Town, residents in the affected area were placed in temporary accomodation.
“We express our gratitude to those members of the public who have donated refreshments for firefighters and ask that these be dropped off at the Roeland Street Fire Station, and not on scene,” Smith said.
JP Smith
The fire is the latest in a series of flare-up that have affected the area since the beginning of the year.
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