Cape Town – Firefighters have intensified efforts to contain the wildfire burning above Kloof Nek Corner and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, with aerial resources deployed on Monday to prevent the blaze from flaring up as temperatures rise.
In a statement, South African National Parks (SANParks) said its Table Mountain National Park Fire Management Team had continued firefighting operations overnight, with crews remaining on the fireline to monitor and suppress isolated hotspots.
Although lighter winds helped firefighters overnight, SANParks warned that changing weather conditions could reignite parts of the fire.
“While conditions were favourable overnight due to lighter winds, potential flare-ups are anticipated for today as temperatures increase, particularly in steep cliff and rocky areas that remain difficult for ground crews to access,” the statement said.
To bolster firefighting efforts, SANParks has deployed aerial resources to target hotspots that remain inaccessible from the ground.
“Kishugu Aviation, contracted to SANParks, has deployed two Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) aircraft from AG Aviation from 08:00 this morning,” SANParks said.
The aircraft are being used to cool hotspots identified through thermal imaging technology in an effort to reduce the risk of the fire reigniting.
“The aircraft operation will focus on cooling hotspots identified through thermal imaging to reduce the risk of reignition. Additional rotor-wing aircraft may be deployed should operational conditions require,” the statement added.
Fresh firefighting crews have also replaced teams that worked through the night, with approximately 43 ground personnel and three water tankers currently assigned to the operation.
Authorities have urged members of the public to stay away from the affected area while firefighting operations continue.
“The public is reminded that aerial firefighting operations will be underway, and members of the public are urged to avoid the affected area and comply with trail closures along the Contour Path and surrounding trails to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, to ensure the safety of visitors, firefighting personnel and aviation resources,” SANParks said.
The agency said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as conditions change.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
