THE SA National Defence Force (SANDF) remained on standby for assistance with the ongoing wildfire on Table Mountain National Park, said the provincial government.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell confirmed that the SANDF was activated on Monday morning.
“At the moment the wind is too strong and it is not safe to fly the helicopters. As soon as the weather permits, the air force will be in the air. The Oryx can carry a water payload of 2 000 litres per drop. We welcome the SA Air Force support as always.”
Firefighters continued to have their hands full as strong winds exacerbated efforts to bring the raging fire under control.
SA National Parks estimated that roughly 400 hectares of wild land has been destroyed while the City reported eight structures were damaged and/or destroyed in the fire. The structures includes four UCT buildings.
The City has confirmed that evacuations have taken place at UCT as well as in Vredehoek: Peppertree Road, Ministerial Estate, Disa Park, Mountain View complex.
All schools in Vredehoek were asked to evacuate. The City said assessments were under way in Zonnebloem.
“In the event of evacuation, please remember to take chronic medication, Identity documents, passports, cash, cellphones, bottled water, non-perishable food, a set of clothing, blanket and toiletries.
“The City’s Air Quality Monitoring Unit has recorded very high levels of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM 2.5) at the Foreshore Monitoring Station. Asthmatics and other sensitive receptors with respiratory conditions are urged to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed, or alternatively leave the area if possible and to seek medical attention if respiratory distress is experienced,” said the City.
SANParks said its rangers also had a busy morning at their entrances stopping users from accessing the burning Table Mountain National Park.
SANParks spokesperson Rey Thakhuli said: “With users now attempting to go about their normal running, cycling or walking their dogs we will not be able to fully concentrate on the fire especially in the Newlands Forest and Rhodes Memorial zones.
“It is for this reason that we urge users to stay away from the following areas: Newlands Forest, Groote Schuur Estate, Rhodes Memorial, Devils Peak, Tafelberg Road, Vredehoek and Deer Park sections of the park. That includes all recreation areas below and above Tafelberg Road, which will remain closed until further notice.”
It was deemed safe to visit areas in the south and central sections of the park which includes Silvermine, Tokai, Boulders and Cape Point.
“Those who would like to access Lions Head and Signal Hill should approach the areas with caution as the emergency personnel are in the area.”