A suspect has been arrested following a fire that erupted on Table Mountain, Cape Town’s world-renowned landmark, South African authorities confirmed on Monday. The blaze, which began last Friday, triggered a swift response from local emergency services and park rangers to prevent further damage to the mountain’s fragile ecosystem and the surrounding urban area.
The fire broke out along the front face of Table Mountain, an area prone to wildfires due to dry conditions, high winds, and dense vegetation. Local authorities, including the South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers and city law enforcement officers, worked tirelessly to contain the flames and minimize risk to both residents and tourists.
JP Smith, the Mayco Member for Safety and Security, praised the collaborative efforts between SANParks and local law enforcement in securing the arrest. According to Smith, officers conducted a thorough search of the area and located the suspect hidden in the underbrush along the roadside. “The officers acted decisively, quickly apprehending the individual and securing backup to ensure the suspect’s detention,” Smith said in a statement to the media.
The fire, which had the potential to spread rapidly due to strong winds and the mountain’s dry vegetation, was successfully contained with the aid of aerial firefighting units. Firefighters deployed water bombs from helicopters to douse the flames, significantly reducing the fire’s spread. Authorities also evacuated all individuals from the mountain, using the iconic Table Mountain cable car to transport them to safety.
Table Mountain has a history of recurring wildfires, with many sparked by seasonal dry conditions and exacerbated by gale-force winds, which are common in the region. Wildfires in the area often present a significant challenge for local firefighting teams, given the difficult terrain and limited access.
In April 2021, a devastating fire on Table Mountain destroyed critical infrastructure, including the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and parts of the University of Cape Town campus, underscoring the ongoing threat of such blazes to both the environment and human settlements.
The recent arrest follows an ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the blaze was a result of arson or other factors, but the swift apprehension of the suspect has raised concerns about the potential human role in triggering such wildfires.