News

Firefighters are battling escalating wildfires in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). Due to a change in wind conditions and strong gusting winds overnight, the Newlands Ravine fire has since spread toward Tafelberg Road and Vredehoek.

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 were deployed at first light to the City Bowl and Red Hill as a priority.

Meanwhile, the fire in Red Hill remains active, burning south of Ocean View toward Kommetjie. Firefighting efforts are ongoing.

As a precaution, the following areas 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: Active fire lines remain close to Kirstenbosch. Newlands Forest remains closed.
• Red Hill trails: Access from Red Hill, Slangkop, Ocean View, Jonkersdam, and Kleinplaas Dam is restricted.

A concern remains the continued presence of hikers in areas that have been closed off due to fire damage and active fire operations. We urge the public to strictly adhere to all trail closures for their safety.