The public are advised to avoid the following routes which include: Upper Tokai, Silvermine, Constantia Nek, above Boyes Drive, Noordhoek, Clovelly, and Chapman’s Peak. (Supplied). Credit: Supplied 
Crews from the City’s Fire & Rescue Service, TMNP, NCC Wildfires and Volunteer Wildfire Services remain on scene remain on the scene to contain the Tokai blaze that has been burning since Last Friday April 25. (Photo: Jeremy Rose). Credit: Jeremy Rose
A fire that scorched 3 000 ha of vegetation within the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has been contained, but the public should remain vigilant, said South African National Parks (SANParks).
Firefighting efforts have been scaled back even further in the South Peninsula, according to City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
“The area along Boyes Drive into Kalk Bay, around Clovelly and along Ou Kaapse Weg into Noordhoek has been deemed safe. At Klein Constantia there are hot spots that are inaccessible to firefighters. These are being monitored.
“At Tokai Manor House, NCC Wildfires and Volunteer Wildfire Services attended to hot spots overnight and will remain in attendance until the area is deemed safe.”
Previously, People’s Post reported that firefighters had been battling blazes that destroyed 3 000 ha of vegetation in the Silvermine, Tokai and Boyes Drive areas of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) since Friday 25 April.
The City confirmed one of its firefighters who suffered soft-tissue damage to both her legs had recovered and returned to work.
Firefighters were expected to remain on the scene throughout the evening to monitor the areas burnt and conclude with mop-up operations, according to SANParks head of communications JP Louw.
“Although no active fire lines remain the burnt areas between Upper Tokai, Silvermine, Constantia Nek, above Boyes Drive, Noordhoek, Clovelly and Chapman’s Peak remain volatile and hazardous,” he said.
“We strongly urge hikers, mountain bikers and all members of the public to avoid these zones until further notice. Hidden hot spots, weakened trees and smouldering roots present serious risks.”
In a separate incident, a man was recently arrested for allegedly igniting a fire on the slopes around Clovelly to cook some food, Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith related.
“The suspect was observed entering the unburnt mountainous area of Clovelly apparently carrying a container with, it was feared, liquid accelerant. The Lakeside Joint Operations Centre, coordinating the firefighting efforts, was alerted and a radio call put out to all enforcement staff.”
The man’s arrest was not related to the Tokai fire, Fish Hoek police confirmed.
Law Enforcement officers who were tracking the man saw signs of a fire and rushed to the location.
“At the site they discovered a small fire had been ignited, seemingly in an attempt to prepare food,” Smith added. “The fire was extinguished and the suspect arrested, and in his possession officers also discovered Mandrax.”
The cause of the Tokai fire remained under investigation.
Louw sent a heartfelt thanks to the public, community groups and organisations who supported the firefighting teams with donations and supplies.
“Our sincere thanks go to the brave firefighters, volunteers and aerial-support teams that worked around the clock to manage the fire across approximately 3 000 hectares of parkland. Please continue to respect all closures and safety instructions while restoration efforts begin.”
