Multiple fires have kept SANParks very busy over recent weeks. The Spokesperson for South African National Parks, JP Louw, says the fires have been brought under control. He says their officers have worked closely with municipal authorities and fire management partners to respond to multiple fire outbreaks in the Cape Region. The blazes that were of most concern were in areas covering Agulhas and Table Mountain National Parks.
Multiple fires have kept SANParks very busy
He says the flames in Agulhas National Park were successfully contained through their efforts, along with other agencies. SANParks had, at that time, deployed a helicopter with their ground firefighting teams to assist the Overstrand Municipality in quelling the blaze. There was no damage to houses or stores. Louw says the municipality has confirmed that the fire at Pearly Beach has been contained, but the blaze in Stanford is still keeping firefighters busy.
Table Mountain National Park
Louw explains that a fire was ignited on Signal Hill on Thursday, 8 January 2026, in Table Mountain National Park. It then progressed towards Lion’s Head. He says that the blaze was extinguished through a coordinated response involving ground firefighting crews and aerial support. Park officials then, as a precautionary measure, decided to close the Lion’s Head and Signal Hill trails temporarily. Louw says an assessment by fire management teams followed, which led to the trails having since been reopened to the public.
Many blazes in the Cape region
The organisation has meanwhile commended the ongoing cooperation between municipal fire services, aerial firefighting units, disaster management teams, as well as ground crews. They worked tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to fight the fires. Louw has, on behalf of SANParks, extended their heartfelt appreciation to all firefighters and support personnel. They’ve been praised for their courage, commitment, and “unwavering dedication.” He also extended their gratitude to several businesses in Bredasdorp. People from the town provided food and supplies to the firefighters, who were out there fighting the flames.
Louw concluded, “We urge the public to support our first responders by behaving responsibly when using fire and reporting any wildland fires immediately.”
