Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) will commence the cutting and maintenance of the Circum-Peninsula Fire Break Network this week, with contractors starting in the Southern and Central Peninsula and progressing towards the City Bowl.
Work will begin in high-risk areas and, weather permitting, the entire fire break network is expected to be completed by December 2026. This programme has been brought forward in response to forecasts indicating an extended period of high to extreme fire danger this summer.
The Circum-Peninsula firebreak is collaboratively maintained annually by SANParks and the City of Cape Town to create a defensible buffer between the wildland and urban areas for firefighting operations.
Residents living along the urban-wildland interface are requested to prepare and reduce fire risk by reducing vegetation close to structures, removing dry leaves and debris from gutters, and maintaining defensible spaces around their homes. For guidance on appropriate property preparedness measures, residents should consult the Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Association.
TMNP has already begun increasing its wildland firefighting capacity and will deploy additional resources from October. Aerial firefighting resources will also be available two weeks earlier than usual. Joint training exercises and operational readiness activities with partner agencies are ongoing in preparation for the upcoming fire season.
The public is urged to report fires and smoke sightings as early as possible. Hikers should plan their routes carefully and adhere to ranger instructions when routes and trails are closed due to fire incidents.