Property, including private homes, the Rhodes Memorial restaurant and historical structures such as the Mostert’s Hill windmill have been damaged by the blaze, which started this morning just above Phillip Kgosana Drive, and spread towards Rhodes Memorial and UCT.
Students from the Upper Campus of the University of Cape Town also had to be evacuated as strong winds caused the fire to spread. Several UCT buildings have been affected, including part of a library. The university is arranging emergency accommodation for students evacuated from residences.
Mayor Plato visited the site to thank those involved in firefighting efforts.
Mayor Dan Plato noted that one firefighter was being treated for burn wounds in hospital, as efforts to contain the fire continue. Property including private homes, Rhodes Memorial restaurant and historical structures such as the Mostert’s Hill windmill have been damaged. #CTNews pic.twitter.com/O2VLTKP9x5
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) April 18, 2021
'It is tragic that literary treasures have been lost at the UCT library, but I have been informed that some of the most valuable works were saved by the quick activation of roller doors.' pic.twitter.com/QKcqP4qFz6
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) April 18, 2021
#FireUpdate: After flying from 10am to 6pm aerial resources have been stood down.
The fire is ongoing. #WOF_WC pic.twitter.com/JA20PNFcIu
— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) April 18, 2021
