City of Cape Town fire crews, with support from NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and SANParks – Table Mountain National Park, successfully contained last night’s fire, which started on the grounds of Chrysalis Academy and, driven by strong winds, advanced northward towards the mountain.
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Ongoing efforts are underway to mop up this morning as remnants of the fire smoulder and burn on the intensely heated ground, posing a persistent risk of flare-ups.
The risk of further fires is exacerbated by unmanaged dense stands of fuel-rich invasive Australian species on the Porter Estate and the prevailing strong south-easterly winds.
In the event of a flare-up driving the fire into the national park, there is considerable concern given that the slopes of the Constantiaberg, post-2015 fires and the exit from managed plantation forestry are infested with several hundred hectares of invasive species and slash (woody debris) resulting from ongoing clearance attempts.
It is estimated that there are ‘hundreds of tons’ of fuel or slash (combustible material) on the slopes that have not undergone removal.
Controlled fuel reduction and stack burns have been insufficient to adequately diminish the fuel load and associated fire risk at the urban edge.
A plea is made to the public to remain vigilant for any signs of smoke and to promptly report any indications of fire to the City’s Emergency Call Centre at 021 480 7700.
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Picture: Screenshot of video /Parkscape