Cape Town wildfire: Cyclists defy orders, enter restricted areas
SANParks has confirmed the presence of cyclists in areas that have been closed off due to ongoing firefighting operations. Image: Gift of the Givers Facebook
The wildfire currently affecting the Tokai and Silvermine sections of Table Mountain National Park remains uncontained.
It's scarcely believable therefore that SANParks has confirmed that there is a continued concern regarding the presence of cyclists in areas that have been closed off due to fire damage and ongoing firefighting operations.
Those cyclists – and the public in general – is urged to comply with all trail closures to ensure their safety.
It is strongly recommended that the public avoid accessing the central and southern sections of Table Mountain National Park at this time.
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SANParks confirmed in its latest update on Monday evening that fire crews from various agencies, including aerial support, have been actively working throughout the day to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby communities, including Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly.
While fire conditions in the Zwaanswyk, Ou Kaapse Weg, Silvermine, and Noordhoek areas are reported to be under control, crews are continuously monitoring for flare-ups.
Early this morning, four helicopters began water bombing operations to assist ground crews in their efforts.
Fortunately, there has been no structural damage reported, although approximately 2 600 hectares of vegetation have been impacted by the fire.
All available resources from the Table Mountain National Park Fire Management, NCC Environmental Services and Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Provincial Disaster Management, Enviro Wildfire Services, Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Services, City Biodiversity Management and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services are actively on-site.
Teams will continue to address hotspots throughout the night, although aerial operations will conclude before 19:00 due to darkness.
Road closures, SPCA on the scene
Ou Kaapse Weg is now open to the public.
However, SANParks has asked everyone not to stop and hike into the burnt areas.
Some spots are still hot, and people have already attempted to access closed sections of the park.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and other welfare organisations are already on site, monitoring the animals that have been impacted by the fire.
As a precaution, the following areas will remain closed until further notice:
– Tokai and Silvermine, both east and west hiking trails will remain closed to the public.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will issue further updates as conditions change.
Donations
The City of Cape Town has issued a call for public support, asking for donations to sustain the firefighters working under extreme conditions.
The immediate needs for the crews include:
Bottled water
Nutritional drinks such as Energade and Powerade
such as Energade and Powerade Energy bars
Saline-based eye drops to alleviate discomfort caused by smoke and ash
Officials emphasised the importance of keeping firefighters hydrated and energised as they face gruelling conditions on the fire lines.
Those wishing to assist are asked to deliver donations to designated collection points set up by the City.
Those donation points include:
Newlands Fire Base
Lakeside fire station
Hair Gallery – 41 Tokai Road
Pick n Pay Steenberg Village
What do you think possesses a cyclist – or anyone for that matter – to enter restricted areas?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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