- The Table Mountain Cableway is closed until further notice due to a fire that started in Newlands Ravine and spread to surrounding areas, including Tafelberg Road and Vredehoek.
- Firefighting teams, including helicopters, are actively working to control the fire, with areas such as Front Table trails, Tafelberg Road, and Kirstenbosch closed for safety.
- Authorities urge the public to avoid closed trails and areas, with a focus on preventing hikers from entering zones impacted by the fire.
The Table Mountain Cableway is temporarily closed due to smoke in and around the area.
This follows a fire that broke out high on the slopes in Newlands Ravine over the weekend, which has now spread to Tafelberg Road and Vredehoek due to strong winds.
Selma Hercules, Executive Director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, said: “The Table Mountain Cableway is not operational today until further notice. We’ll provide updates as soon as we have more information. Stay safe and thank you for your understanding.”
Edward Bosch, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire had spread towards the Cape Town CBD last night.
“We currently have two active divisions where firefighting strategies and resources are focused. Two helicopters have been water-bombing since first light on the flanks of the Tafelberg Road side. A third helicopter is enroute from Stellenbosch to assist in the CBD as well.”
Bosch said City resources as well as SANParks staff were monitoring flare-ups in the Deer Park area.
JP Louw, SANParks spokesperson, said the fire in Red Hill remained active, burning south of Ocean View towards Kommetjie.
As a precaution the following areas will remain closed until further notice:
• Front Table trails: From Platteklip Gorge to Newlands, including Maclear’s Beacon.
• Tafelberg Road is closed to the public.
• Kirstenbosch and Rhodes Memorial Estate: Active fire lines remain close to Kirstenbosch. Newlands Forest remains closed.
• Red Hill trails: Access from Red Hill, Slangkop, Ocean View, Jonkersdam and Kleinplaas Dam is restricted.
Louw cautioned hikers to stay clear of the area.
“A concern remains the continued presence of hikers in areas that have been closed off due to fire damage and active fire operations. We urge the public to strictly adhere to all trail closures for their safety.”
