A wildfire broke out early Sunday in Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). The blaze swept through the Newlands and Kirstenbosch areas, burning about 60 hectares of land.
The fire started around 3:40 a.m., sending smoke across the city. Photos and videos showed flames moving down the mountain towards Newlands and Kirstenbosch. The dramatic scenes spread quickly on social media.
South African National Parks (SANParks) closed hiking trails and warned people to avoid the Newlands, Kirstenbosch, and Rhodes Memorial areas. They also said some trails would stay closed until it was safe to reopen them.
More than 80 firefighters were deployed to control the fire. They were supported by three helicopters and a spotter plane. The rugged terrain made the work difficult, and ground crews struggled to access water sources.
“Aerial support has been crucial in managing the flames,” said a SANParks spokesperson. “Our teams are facing tough conditions, but we are committed to protecting lives and property.”
By Monday, officials reported progress in containing the fire between Newlands and Devil’s Peak. However, some areas were still burning, and firefighting continued. Authorities are watching the situation closely.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. SANParks urged the public to avoid the affected areas until further notice.