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Saturday, May 17, 2025

Latest fire update: Tokai fire remains uncontained, crews monitoring flare-ups

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Monday 28 April, 18h00: The wildfire burning through the Tokai and Silvermine sections of Table Mountain National Park remains uncontained, with firefighters from multiple agencies working relentlessly to prevent its spread to nearby communities, including Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly.

 

Fire conditions in the Zwaanswyk, Ou Kaapse Weg, Silvermine, and Noordhoek areas have been brought under control, but crews continue to monitor the region for potential flare-ups. Early this morning, four helicopters resumed water-bombing operations to support the ground teams.

 

So far, no structural damage has been reported, although the fire has scorched approximately 2,600 hectares of vegetation.

 

Ground and aerial crews from a wide range of organisations—including Table Mountain National Park Fire Management, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Provincial Disaster Management, Enviro Wildfire Services, Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Services, City Biodiversity Management, and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services—remain on-site. While aerial operations will end at nightfall due to poor visibility, ground teams will continue tackling hotspots throughout the evening.

 

 

Authorities have raised concerns about the public ignoring trail closures, with cyclists seen entering restricted areas affected by the fire. Officials have urged residents and visitors to respect all closures for their own safety and the safety of the firefighting teams. The public is strongly advised to stay away from the central and southern sections of Table Mountain National Park until further notice.

 

Road and Trail Closures

 

Ou Kaapse Weg has been reopened to traffic; however, authorities have cautioned against stopping along the route or attempting to hike into burned areas, which remain dangerous due to residual heat.

 

Meanwhile, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and other welfare organisations are monitoring wildlife impacted by the blaze.

 

As a precaution, the following areas will remain closed:

 

All hiking trails in Tokai and Silvermine, both east and west.

 

Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and will issue further updates as conditions evolve. Members of the public are encouraged to follow official channels for verified information and safety announcements.

 

Information supplied by: SANParks

 

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