Firefighters Combat Blazes on Cape Town’s Table Mountain

More than 100 firefighters are battling two blazes on Table Mountain in Cape Town, with progress reported in controlling the fires. No injuries have been reported, and authorities continue to monitor the situation, particularly given the region’s propensity for wildfires during dry summer months.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Over 100 firefighters are actively combating two fires on the slopes of Table Mountain, the notable landmark overlooking Cape Town. The management of the mountain, South African National Parks, has reported progress in controlling the fires, which were initially ignited on Sunday.

A total of 115 firefighters, supported by four helicopters and two aircraft, have been deployed to the scene. Fortunately, the fires posed no immediate danger to ongoing events in the city, including a gathering of finance ministers from the G20 countries. The authorities confirmed that no injuries have yet occurred due to these fires.

The Cape Town area typically experiences wildfire risks during the hot and arid summer months, from December to April, often exacerbated by strong winds. In 2021, a significant fire incident damaged historic buildings at the University of Cape Town and led to evacuations of local neighborhoods. Firefighters will remain stationed on Table Mountain overnight to monitor and manage the situation effectively, as conditions could change if winds intensify.

In summary, significant firefighting efforts are in place on Table Mountain, with over 100 personnel responding effectively to contain the fires. Despite the challenging summer conditions that exacerbate fire risks, there have been no injuries reported. Authorities are remaining vigilant, particularly through the night, to ensure public safety as they continue to manage and control the fire incidents.

Original Source: www.usnews.com