South African National Parks (SANParks) Rangers warned hikers, runners, dog-walkers and cyclists to stay off Table Mountain, and surrounding trails and parks, as they have their hands full with fire rescue operations.
The wildfire raging on Table Mountain since Sunday, 18 April is being fanned by gale force winds, making it even more difficult to contain.
On Monday, 19 April rangers spent valuable time turning people away from entrances instead of assisting with the real problem – a raging wildfire on Table Mountain and Vredehoek.
SANParks spokesperson Rey Thakhuli said the park personnel are hard at work trying to put down the fire and most resources are dedicated to the fire… “with users now attempting to go about their normal running, cycling or walking their dogs we will not be able to fully concentrate on the fire especially in the Newlands Forest and Rhodes Memorial zones”.
SANParks are now restricting movement in the following areas: Newlands Forest, Groote Schuur Estate, Rhodes Memorial, Devils Peak, Tafelberg Road, Vredehoek, and Deer Park sections of the park.
The restrictions includes all recreation areas below and above Tafelberg Road, which will remain closed until further notice.
They added that it is safe to still visit areas in the South and Central sections of the park which includes areas Silvermine, Tokai, Boulders, and Cape Point.
“Those who would like to access Lions Head and Signal Hill should approach the areas with caution as the emergency personnel are in the area,” Thakhuli said.
Over 400 hectares of land has been damaged thus far and over 135 firefighters from SANParks, Working on Fire, City of Cape Town, NCC Environmental Services are currently battling the fire.
Donations of food, water, eye drops and energy foods and drinks can be dropped off at the Newlands Firebase off the M3 highway or contact Pat Scott for any donations at 079 608 9991.