Firefighters worked throughout Sunday night to contain the fire that broke out in the Upper Tokai and Silvermine sections of Table Mountain National Park on Friday evening, 25 April.
While the fire seemed under control at some point during the weekend, there were major flare-ups reported on Sunday morning, prompting a full-scale intervention.
Thick smoke could be seen across multiple areas of the southern peninsula.
Last night, the fire was creeping down Boyes Drive, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek side, while on the Ou Kaapse Weg side, it moved towards Noordhoek.
Firefighters are continuing to focus on preventing the fire from reaching nearby communities including Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek and Clovelly.
More than 250* firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the blaze across five active fronts.
Fresh crews are being deployed this morning.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Spokesperson Jermaine Carelse says no major flare-ups were reported on Sunday night, but choppers will be airborne after an assessment.
One female firefighter was injured and taken to hospital during operations last night.
He has urged the public to stay away from the affected areas, as road closures remain in place.
Disaster Risk Management officials and volunteers were activated yesterday to assist the Fire Services in coordinating relief efforts. DRM assisted with the evacuation of 198 households from the Noordhoek Manor, including 48 frail care residents.
Evacuees were staying with friends and family, as well as the Fish Hoek Civic Centre where Health Care Services attended to them. Residents are encouraged to check in on their neighbours, especially the elderly, or those who may need assistance.
The only damage reports received have been a few vehicles that reportedly caught alight in the Silvermine parking area. Hikers were evacuated from Silvermine on Sunday morning. Tokai and Silvermine hiking trails remain closed until further notice.
Around 3000 hectares of vegetation has been burnt.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Early indications suggest it may have been started deliberately. SANParks spokesperson JP Louw has appealed to anyone with information to come forward to assist the investigation.
