Cape Town wildfire – Monday 12h00 update

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has put its available air resources in Cape Town on standby for assistance with the ongoing wildfire on Table Mountain National Park.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape says the SANDF was activated this morning.

“At the moment the wind is too strong and it is not safe to fly the helicopters. As soon as the weather permits, the air force will be in the air. The Oryx can carry a water payload of 2000 litres per drop. We welcome the SAAF support as always.”

Bredell says the City of Cape Town and its partners continue to tackle the wildfire despite the gale force wind.

“We want to urge the public to work with the authorities and obey all instructions. In addition, reports of people trying to access the mountain at various points for recreational purposes is concerning. People are asked to avoid the Table Mountain area while the fire remains ongoing.”

SANParks estimates that roughly 400 hectares of wildland has been destroyed so far while the City of Cape Town has reported eight structures have been damaged and/or destroyed in the fire that broke out yesterday morning. The eight structures includes four building on the campus of the University of Cape Town which has been damaged in the fire.

In the event of an emergency please contact:

• City of Cape Town Emergency Services Landline: 021 480 7700 Cellphone:107
• Provincial Emergency Number – 112
• Table Mountain National Park – 021 957 4700