Cape Town – Cape Town fire crews contained a vegetation blaze on Signal Hill overnight and remain on high alert for flare-ups, prioritising urban fringe residents amid tricky winds and terrain.
Cape Town authorities launched an immediate full-scale firefighting operation after the fire broke out, even as Table Mountain National Park mobilised its own emergency teams.
Officials explained the move stemmed from fears for nearby residents on the urban edge, where unpredictable winds and rugged slopes can swiftly intensify fire spread.
Mayoral safety head JP Smith said the City deployed eight fire pumpers, six water tankers, and specialised all-wheel-drive vehicles for rugged access near the Noon Gun.
“8 of our Major Pumpers were deployed along with another 6 of our water tankers. The fire has been contained but our crews are now positioned at the Noon Gun area, to monitor for any flare-up situations,” said Smith.
“When working on mountainous terrain, we need to be able to replenish the water capacity in our fire engines continuously. Our smallest water tankers are All-Wheel-Drive and purposely built for these conditions and gives us this guarantee.”
Meanwhile, a new fire above Bo-Kaap prompted Signal Hill Road closure and urgent evacuations, with SANParks teams battling the flames.
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Picture: Fire: JP Smith
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
