Table Mountain National Park is warning hikers to stay clear of the Newlands Ravine hiking trail after that part of the park was devastated by a fire that started on Sunday morning.

Park spokesperson Lauren Clayton says around 60 hectares of veld have burned in the Newlands Ravine and Devil’s Peak areas where firefighters are still trying to contain the fire. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

More than 80 firefighters were dispatched to fight the fire in the Newlands Ravine and on Devil’s Peak, and the battle continued on Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, 20 firefighters were sent to fires on Signal Hill and Ocean View on Sunday evening.

“This effort is done in conjunction with the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and Provincial Disaster Management,” Ms Clayton said.

On Sunday evening, multiple flare-ups had occurred in the Newlands Ravine and on Devil’s Peak in inaccessible areas, requiring crews to remain on scene at both the base and head of the fire for continued monitoring and suppression efforts where accessible, she said.

Ms Clayton said the change in wind conditions, with strong gusting winds overnight on Tuesday led to the Newlands Ravine fire spreading towards Tafelberg Road and Vredehoek, and all available firefighting resources were diverted to various sections along Tafelberg Road, Red Hill and surrounds to contain the fire.

All available aerial resources had been deployed to the City Bowl and Red Hill as a priority.

Hiking trails in the Newlands, Devil’s Peak and Maclear’s Beacon areas remained closed until further notice for safety reasons.

“Rock falls have occurred due to the fire and boardwalks have burnt, making the trails unsafe for hikers.

“We urge the public to strictly adhere to all trail closures for their safety and to allow firefighting teams to complete their operations unhindered.”

Tafelberg Road, Kirstenbosch and Rhodes Memorial Estate had to be closed as a result of fire spreading and access from Red Hill, Slangkop, Ocean View, Jonkersdam, and Kleinplaas Dam was restricted.

Ward 59 councillor Mikhail Manuel said residents and businesses had donated food and beverages to support the firefighters.

The authorities continue to monitor the situation.

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