By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The City of Cape Town has mobilised its extensive firefighting resources to tackle the Table Moutain blaze, which has raised significant concerns about safety and air quality in the region.
The fire that broke out in Tokai on Friday continues to burn across parts of the Constantiaberg and Silvermine East.
Crews have worked through to contain the blaze, as road closures and heavy smoke impact several areas across the Cape Peninsula.
City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirms no major flare-ups overnight. Crews remained on the fire line throughout. An Incident Management Team Type 3 has been activated to strengthen oversight.
“The fire remains uncontained and is now close to Boyes Drive, above St James and Kalk Bay. The right flank stretches between Ou Kaapse Weg and Steenberg Peak, with teams focused on keeping the fire from reaching Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly,” Carelse said.
The public is advised to avoid the area, and road closures remain in effect.
Evacuations of homes and centres were conducted.
“As a precautionary measure, Disaster Risk Management (DRM) 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,” Carelse said.
Members of the public urged to drop off donations of water, energy drinks, energy bars, and non-perishable food items at Lakeside Fire Station to support firefighting teams.