Firefighters Combat Blazes on Table Mountain in Cape Town

Over 100 firefighters are engaged in battling two fires on Table Mountain, South Africa. Significant progress has been reported, with no injuries or threat to a nearby G20 meeting. Firefighters will remain on site overnight as conditions may change.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Over 100 firefighters are actively combating two blazes on Table Mountain’s slopes in Cape Town. The national parks authorities have reported that progress is being made in controlling these fires, which posed threats to the vicinity of Cape Town.

The South African National Parks, which oversees the mountain, has deployed 115 firefighters along with four helicopters and two planes, announcing significant advancements in their efforts. The fires have been ongoing since at least Sunday on the prominent mountain that offers a scenic view of the city.

A crucial meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors of the Group of 20 nations commenced on Wednesday in Cape Town and is scheduled to extend into Thursday. Fortunately, there is no immediate danger posed to this gathering.

Fires are a frequent occurrence in the Cape Town area, particularly during the hot and dry summer months spanning from December to April, exacerbated by strong coastal winds. A notable fire incident in 2021 was catastrophic, leading to the destruction of historic buildings at the University of Cape Town and necessitating evacuations in local neighborhoods.

As of now, there have been no reported injuries related to the current fires. National Parks officials confirmed that firefighters would remain on duty throughout the night, as the potential for the fires to rekindle exists with changing wind conditions.

In summary, over 100 firefighters are working diligently to control two wildfires on Table Mountain in Cape Town, with significant progress reported. The fires, common during the summer months, have raised concerns due to their proximity to the city, but no injuries have occurred. Firefighters will continue their efforts overnight to mitigate risks associated with the fires.

Original Source: www.newsday.com