Camps Bay blaze contained, fire line monitored amid hot weather

With continued firefighting efforts into the early hours of Tuesday morning, the wildfire in Camps Bay has been contained.

The fire broke out near Pipe Track on Monday afternoon. According to ward councillor, Nicola Jowell, about 90 firefighters from several crews, as well as aerial resources, were deployed the battle the blaze.

After it was contained, SANParks confirmed that roughly 25 hectares of vegetation were destroyed.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said the cause of the blaze is not known at this stage, but is being investigated.

Ground crews are expected to continue monitoring the area, amid hot weather and a high fire danger index in the city.

“Fresh firefighting teams [were] deployed this morning to ensure hotspots are put out and flare ups attended to. Enviro Wildfire Consultancy (Pty) Ltd is assisting operations through the use of thermal drone flights to detect any remaining underground hotspots,” said Louw in a statement.

Louw further advised that several trails and access points in the area will be closed until further notice, as a precautionary measure.

These include:

Footpaths and Jeep Tracks to Camps Bay

Pipe Track

Theresa Avenue and Geneva Avenue

All footpaths accessing Camps Bay from Back Table and Apostle Battery

Trails above the Twelve Apostles

Members of the public, who wish to, have been encouraged to drop off donations at the Newlands Fire Base.

Hikers: Practice caution in hot weather

Louw further urged hikers to take extreme care amid uncomfortable heat conditions forecast for the Western Cape.

Park users are advised to carry enough water, wear light clothing, use sun protection, and avoid hiking during peak heat hours between 11:00 and 15:00.

SANParks emergency contact details:

Hotline: 086 110 6417
City’s Regional Fire Control: +27 (0)21 590 1900
Newlands Fire Base: +27 (0)21 689 7438

Or report a fire to the City of Cape Town:

The City’s Emergency Communication Centre, 021 480 7700