Wildfire near Glencairn Expressway still burning

CAPE TOWN-Firefighters are still battling a blaze that had erupted near the Glencairn Expressway yesterday afternoon (Thursday 16 October).

By 09:00 this morning, the fire was still not contained, the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said.

The inferno, on the mountain slopes above Capri Village, broke out at 12:45.

“The cause of the fire is not known,” he said, “the landowner will most probably launch an investigation into the cause. No properties, infrastructure or vehicles were damaged, and crews remain on the scene.”

Carelse said roads have been reopened, but the public are advised to steer clear of the area where possible.

The City could not confirm how much vegetation was lost in the fire.

The Disaster Risk Management Centre is also monitoring the fire, said disaster risk management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell.

“We will conduct assessments of the fire sites at first light. This is to determine the extent of these fires and the number of people requiring social relief so that we can activate our NGO (non-governmental organisation) partners and advise SASSA (South African Social Security Agency), as they’re responsible for broader humanitarian relief efforts.”

Currently, there is no immediate threat to property, but staff are on standby to assist in the event that any precautionary measures are required, she added.