02 May Table Mountain National Park fire rages on

Fires have ravaged Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) with SANParks providing an update on the situation. 

Overnight flare-ups were reported behind Newlands, Fernwood Park, and on the slopes of Kirstenbosch, with extensive burning observed in steep and challenging terrain on the slopes of Kirstenbosch.

Due to wind shifts, the fire has moved towards Orangekloof, as well as towards Maclear’s Beacon and the Back Table of TMNP.

For safety reasons, all hiking trails between Newlands and Constantia Nek, as well as all trails leading to Maclear’s Beacon and the Back Table of TMNP, inclusive of trails leading from the area between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, are closed. 

SANParks has made it clear that the priority remains the safety of residents, hikers, and firefighting personnel, and has called on the public to respect the trail closures in order not to endanger anyone or hamper firefighting efforts.

Currently, 40 firefighters from NCC Environmental Services and Working on Fire are actively engaged in various areas along the fire line, but the fire’s intensity is being influenced by wind shifts and cloud cover, making it difficult to predict and control. 

SANParks added that the affected areas are mostly inaccessible, and visibility is poor, posing challenges for ground and aerial crews and making it difficult to carry out water-bombing activities and active fire suppression.