PICS: Lightning strikes cause several fires on Table Mountain

Source: The South African
Author: Nick Pawson

Cape Town experiencing a rare electrical storm. Image: Caroline Rowbottom

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has issued an update regarding the status of several fires that were sparked off by lightning.

Strikes from a rare electrical storm on Saturday caused fires in multiple areas, namely Cecilia Forest, Silvermine, and the Cape Of Good Hope (Cape Point) main road.

These fires have since been contained, TMNP said in their statement.

"The swift response from TMNP's NCC Environmental Services, along with Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire crews and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, played a crucial role in managing the situation," the statement read.

TMNP has redirected firefighting teams from the Cape of Good Hope main road fire to address a fire above Skeleton Gorge and the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir along the Back Table within the park.

Firefighting crews, supported by aerial resources, commenced operations at first light on Sunday morning to contain and manage the fire above Skeleton Gorge.

However, due to strong winds, aerial operations were temporarily suspended until conditions improved for water bombing operations.

TMNP has cautioned hikers and runners and asked them to avoid the following areas within the park affected by the fires:

Cape of Good Hope: Hiking routes from Gifkommetjie to Circles Vlei and any trails originating from Olifantsbos, Sirkelvlei hiking trail, and the Link Road cycling route are closed until further notice.

Back Table and Skeleton Gorge - Table Mountain: All footpaths leading to Back Table from Camps Bay and Hout Bay, Constantia Nek, Cecilia Forest, Kirstenbosch, and Orangekloof hiking trails have also been closed until further notice.

Outdoor enthusiasts have also been asked to be cautious when carrying out activities above Silvermine.

"Visitors are urged to exercise caution and cooperate with park authorities and firefighting teams during this time," TMNP added.