The City of Cape Town has opened an arson case with the police following suspicion that the fire in the Table Mountain National Park was deliberately started. The blaze, which started on Sunday, has been largely contained.
It’s 1am and this fire is still raging on…#lionsheadfire pic.twitter.com/r2ScY6JZUW
— Mike Eloff (@LifeOfMikeZA) March 15, 2020
Scores of firefighters remain on the scene, monitoring and dousing hotspots. Seven were taken to hospital after being injured.
Occupants of a handful of homes in Clifton had to be evacuated. Close to 100 people on Table Mountain and Signal Hill were also told to evacuate.
Hiking and cycling groups we need your help!!
PLEASE AVOID THE KLOOF NEK/ SIGNAL HILL AREA
We have seen a number of cyclists and hikers still making their way up various paths near the fire. This is not advisable.@_ArriveAlive #Fire pic.twitter.com/AdfIa0F5dM
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) March 15, 2020
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith says they will compile an incident report once the fire has been extinguished.
“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.”
Over 230 firefighters and 30 fire fighting appliances were deployed to combat the fire which broke out amid strong south-easterly winds. Four houses were affected and seven vehicles destroyed.
Current look at the #TafelbergRoadFire https://t.co/Vmgv0yVYDm
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) March 15, 2020
Current look at the #TafelbergRoadFire https://t.co/Vmgv0yVYDm
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) March 15, 2020
