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Thunder struck Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) on Saturday 27 April, causing sporadic fires across various locations, currently affecting access to the park as popular hiking trails are closed while firefighters and volunteers mop up simmering hotspots.
Following an assessment conducted by the TMNP Fire Management, JP Louw, head of communication for the South African National Parks (SANParks), said yesterday morning (Monday) that the Skeleton Gorge fire has had several hotspots in the mountain cliffs and behind Kirstenbosch Gardens.
“Aerial resources have been placed on standby for firefighting, but operations are currently not possible due to challenging wind conditions and cloud cover.
“Throughout the day, ground crews from TMNP NCC Environmental Services, Working on Fire, as well as the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Unit, will be deployed, with staff presence scheduled for overnight monitoring.”
On Saturday, TMNP reported several fires as a result of lightning strikes in multiple areas, namely Cecilia Forest, Silvermine, and the Cape Of Good Hope (Cape Point) main road, which has been contained.
Situation as of Monday
TMNP redeployed firefighting crews from the Cape of Good Hope main road fire to a fire currently situated above Skeleton Gorge and the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir along the Back Table within the park.
“Firefighting crews and aerial resources have been deployed at first light this morning, providing crucial aerial support to contain and manage the fire effectively above Skeleton Gorge. Unfortunately, due to strong winds, aerial resources have stood down until it is deemed safe to conduct water bombing operations,” Louw explained.
Given the fire’s location in inaccessible terrain, particularly in the cliffs, it poses ongoing risks, especially as wind patterns shift.
Louw cautions visitors from visiting the park: “For safety reasons, we urge hikers to avoid the area until further notice.”
Update on affected hiking areas in TMNP:
Back Table and Skeleton Gorge
Newlands Forest access area (Fire base) and surrounding trails will remain closed to members of the public.
Trails from Constantia Nek to Newlands Forest, will also remain closed.
Camps Bay and Hout Bay trails has been reopened
Cape of Good Hope
Hiking routes from Gifkommetjie to Circles Vlei and trails originating from Olifantsbos, as well as Sirkelvlei hiking trail and Link Road cycling route in the Cape Of Good Hope section, have been reopened.
“During the weekend’s fire operations, more than 20 guests were evacuated from two accommodation sites in TMNP, namely Overseers Cottage along the Back Table, as well as Olifantsbos in the Cape Of Good Hope, as a safety precaution.”
In case of emergencies or sightings of new fires, please contact 086 110 6417 or the Newlands Dispatch at 021 689 7438.
