Table Mountain Wildfire Intensifies, Evacuations Underway

Table Mountain National Park Manager Megan Taplin says the wildfire currently burning in the Silvermine section of Table Mountain National Park has intensified significantly due to a sudden shift in wind direction and increased wind speeds.

Earlier, individuals in both the east and west sections of Silvermine were asked to evacuate the area. Taplin says the fire is now actively spreading down the left flank toward Tokai and Zwaanswyk, and the right flank is also moving in the direction of the Noordhoek and Clovelly area.

She says three helicopters have been deployed to assist ground crews.

An incident command post has been established for coordinated resource management and response efforts. Firefighting resources on scene include Table Mountain National Park firefighters, City of Cape Town Fire Rescue Services, Enviro Wildfire Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management and additional support teams. Members of the public are strongly urged to stay away from accessing the central and south section of Table Mountain National Park, Taplin explains.