Firefighters intensify battle against wildfires in Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain

Cape Town – Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain multiple wildfires raging through Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), with strong winds worsening the situation overnight.

The Newlands Ravine fire has spread toward Tafelberg Road and Vredehoek, prompting an intensified response from emergency teams, SANParks said on Wednesday.

“All available resources from the TMNP fire management team, NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Provincial Disaster Management, Enviro Wildfire Services, and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services have been diverted to various sections along Tafelberg Road, Red Hill and its surrounding areas to contain the fire.

“All available aerial resources will be deployed at first light to the City Bowl and Red Hill as a priority.”

Meanwhile, the fire in Red Hill remains active, advancing south of Ocean View toward Kommetjie, with ongoing firefighting efforts in the region.

Trail and road closures 

As a safety precaution, several areas within the park will remain closed until further notice:

  • Front Table trails – from Platteklip Gorge to Newlands, including Maclear’s Beacon.
  • Tafelberg Road – closed to the public.
  • Kirstenbosch and Rhodes Memorial Estate – fire lines remain active near Kirstenbosch, and Newlands Forest remains inaccessible.
  • Red Hill trails – access from Red Hill, Slangkop, Ocean View, Jonkersdam, and Kleinplaas Dam is restricted.

Authorities have raised concerns over hikers disregarding trail closures, putting themselves at risk. Officials urge the public to comply with all safety measures as firefighting operations continue.

Emergency teams remain on high alert as weather conditions pose ongoing challenges to containment efforts.

Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Picture: X/@MikhailManuelCT

For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by