Cape Town wildfire – Monday morning 08h00 update

A wildfire that broke out early yesterday (Sunday) morning has spread overnight towards the Devils Peak Estate/Vredehoek area of the Cape Town citybowl with some areas that have been evacuated in the early hours of the morning as a precautionary measure.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape says the conditions have deteriorated overnight with the wind picking up strength and fanning the flames.

“The wind speed is expected to increase during the day which may impact on the deployment of aerial firefighting. The helicopters cannot fly if the wind is too strong and the visibility too poor but the situation will be fully assessed early this morning.”

Bredell says more than 250 firefighters from the City of Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park, Working on Fire and Volunteer Wildfire Services remain on the ground.

The City of Cape Town evacuated the upper areas of Chelmsford and Peppertree roads in Vredehoek early this morning as a precautionary action.

The M3 roadway remains closed as well as the Phillip Kgosana inbound roadway.

“It is going to be a very tough day and we urge the public to work with the emergency responders and the authorities. Stay away from the affected areas. Anyone who is able to avoid the citybowl today and able to work from home, is urged to do so due. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take note of the heavy smoke and soot and to seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult.”

To date there have been no civilian injuries reported while five firefighters have sustained injuries to date.

The city will inform residents timeously if there is a further need to evacuate an affected area. People who wish to leave the area of their own accord are welcome to do so.

Residents in the vicinity of the fire are advised to take some precautionary steps including:

• Remain Hydrated.
• Keep windows and doors closed until further notice as protection against smoke and heat.
• Keep pets indoors where possible.
• Move garden furniture that is flammable under cover where possible.
• If the situation gets worse, residents will be alerted timeously.

The SPCA is on hand to assist displaced animals.

Residents who may reside in the affected area are advised to remember the following in the event of an evacuation:

• Take along chronic medication
• Remember ID documents, passports, cellphones
• Keep a bottle of water on hand.

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