Fire at Constantia Nek Along Table Mountain Contained, Says SANParks
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the fire that broke out along the Constantia Nek hiking trail on Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain has been successfully contained.
According to SANParks spokesperson JP Louw, the fire, which started on Saturday, was extinguished before 9 pm that evening.
"Fire crews remained on-site overnight to monitor and address flare-ups. Early this morning, SANParks Table Mountain National Park Fire Management Department deployed ground firefighting teams to continue mop-up operations," Louw said.
To ensure no hotspots remained, a thermal drone operated by Enviro Wildfire Services was used to scan the area and investigate the cause of the fire.
By Sunday evening, SANParks reopened the area to hikers accessing the Back Table via Constantia Nek and permit holders visiting Orangekloof.
SANParks has urged visitors to exercise caution in the area, as firefighting crews and vehicles are still active.
"We encourage the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of smoke to the SANParks emergency number, 086 110 6417, to ensure a swift response," Louw added.
Last month, another fire incident occurred at the Table Mountain National Park Cableway's lower station. Guests and staff were evacuated after a fire started in a garage within the station.
At the time, SANParks reported that the fire was successfully contained with the help of the City of Cape Town's fire department, while Table Mountain National Park crews managed the surrounding vegetation. Approximately 400 guests at the upper Cable Station were temporarily kept in place due to the thick smoke.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of fire management in one of South Africa's most famous natural landmarks.
According to SANParks spokesperson JP Louw, the fire, which started on Saturday, was extinguished before 9 pm that evening.
"Fire crews remained on-site overnight to monitor and address flare-ups. Early this morning, SANParks Table Mountain National Park Fire Management Department deployed ground firefighting teams to continue mop-up operations," Louw said.
To ensure no hotspots remained, a thermal drone operated by Enviro Wildfire Services was used to scan the area and investigate the cause of the fire.
By Sunday evening, SANParks reopened the area to hikers accessing the Back Table via Constantia Nek and permit holders visiting Orangekloof.
SANParks has urged visitors to exercise caution in the area, as firefighting crews and vehicles are still active.
"We encourage the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of smoke to the SANParks emergency number, 086 110 6417, to ensure a swift response," Louw added.
Last month, another fire incident occurred at the Table Mountain National Park Cableway's lower station. Guests and staff were evacuated after a fire started in a garage within the station.
At the time, SANParks reported that the fire was successfully contained with the help of the City of Cape Town's fire department, while Table Mountain National Park crews managed the surrounding vegetation. Approximately 400 guests at the upper Cable Station were temporarily kept in place due to the thick smoke.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of fire management in one of South Africa's most famous natural landmarks.
