19 Apr 2021 | 08:32 AM UTC
South Africa: Wildfire in Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town causing evacuations as of April 19 /update 2
Evacuations underway due to wildfire in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa, April 19. Part of the M3 highway closed.
Event
Evacuations are underway as emergency personnel continue responding to wildfires on Table Mountain in Cape Town, the morning of April 19. Reports indicate that the fire has spread from above University Estate along the lower slopes of Table Mountain through Walmer Estate and Devil's Peak Estate to the Vredehoek area due to strong winds. Authorities have evacuated residents from Chelmsford Road, Clairwood, Disa Park, and Pepper Tree Road in Vredehoek, and emerging reports indicate evacuations are also underway in Walmer Estate. The fire remains out of control.
The blaze has also affected several buildings in the University of Cape Town campus, which officials evacuated April 18. Princess Ann Avenue and Woolsack Drive remain closed between the Main Road and the M3 as of morning April 19. Officials have closed the M3 highway (Philip Kgosana Drive) between Newlands and Hospital Bend to facilitate the emergency response and due to the proximity of the fire. Main Road in Rosebank between Belmont Road and the N2 highway is also reportedly closed.
Emergency services will likely remain in place until the fire is extinguished. Further fire growth is likely given that high winds will persist through at least late April 19. Officials may close parts of major routes in the area to facilitate the fire response. Further evacuations of residents and businesses located near the M3 are possible in the coming hours.
Advice
Heed the directives of the authorities. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals in the impact area should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
