Update:
In its latest update, South African National Parks (SANParks) announced that the Skeleton Gorge fire in TMNP is largely contained after it burnt approximately 283 hectares of veld.
‘Light rain and mist over the past few days have helped contain the fire’s spread on the Back Table, but isolated hot spots, smouldering stumps, as well as falling trees and rockfalls, remain a concern,’ said SANParks.
Hiking trails along Constantia Nek and Newlands, as well as along the Back Table between Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Orangekloof, have been reopened following an assessment by TMNP’s conservation and fire management teams.
Skeleton Gorge and the contour path between Fernwood and Cecilia Forest, however, remain closed.
As some hiking trails become accessible to mountain users, SANParks urged hikers to practise caution.
‘Berg-like wind conditions are currently being experienced in the northern sections of the park; therefore, we ask hikers to be very vigilant and move to safe areas if they see or smell smoke while hiking,’ said SANParks. ‘The priority remains the safety of residents, hikers and firefighters.’
Currently, there are approximately 40 firefighters actively engaged in various areas along the fire line, concluding mop-up operations. This will continue throughout the day.
The 40 firefighters were dispatched from NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services and Working on Fire.
‘In case of emergencies or sightings of new fires, please contact 086 110 6417 or the Newlands Dispatch at 021 689 7438,’ conclude SANParks.
The Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) that started on 27 April burned approximately 220 hectares of veld.
Also read: Update: Platteklip Gorge trail closed as fire nears Maclear’s Beacon
Overnight, flare-ups behind Newlands and Kirstenbosch were reported and light rain helped contain the fire’s spread on the Back Table. The fire was caused by a lightning strike due to inclement weather conditions.
However, isolated hot spots, falling trees and rockfalls remain a concern at this stage, SANParks reported.
The following hiking trails remain closed:
- Between Constantia Nek and Newlands
- Maclear’s Beacon
- Back Table
- Platteklip Gorge
- Trails leading to the Back Table between Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Orangekloof
‘The priority remains the safety of residents, hikers, and firefighters, therefore we encourage users to refrain from accessing these areas,’ South African National Parks (SANParks) said in a Facebook post.
TMNP fire management will assess trail conditions in the Constantia Nek later today to determine potential reopening.
Currently, 60 firefighters from NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Working on Fire are actively engaged in various areas along the fire line. These teams will remain on duty throughout the day, extending into the evening for overnight monitoring.
SANParks added that it is grateful for the donations of beverages, hot meals and energy bars for the firefighters.
In cases of emergencies or to report sightings of new fires, contact 086 110 6417 or the Newlands Dispatch at 021 689 7438.
Also read:
Update: Joint efforts underway to combat fire, multiple hiking trails closed