Outdoor fire

The Upper Tokai section of Table Mountain National Park remains closed today as emergency crews battle to contain a series of wildfires that erupted on Friday afternoon.
Sparked by reckless human action, these fires have necessitated the full mobilization of firefighting resources in an effort to safeguard both the park’s unique ecosystem and the public, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Three separate fires ignited in the Lower and Upper Tokai areas, leading to immediate containment strategies. While the first two fires were successfully controlled overnight, the situation remains precarious as the third blaze continues to rage, currently threatening both Elephant’s Eye and the dense Gym Thickets area.
In another latest update, Table Mountain National Park ground firefighting crews and aerial resources responded to several flare-ups in the Upper Tokai/Silvermine section of the park on Sunday.
‘All individuals in both the east and west sections of Silvermine are required to evacuate immediately for their safety.
‘The current operation includes three helicopters, a spotter plane, and ground firefighting teams from Table Mountain National Park, with support from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and Volunteer Wildfire Services,’ SanPark said.
Firefighting teams are on high alert, working tirelessly to prevent further encroachment into the surrounding trees and vegetation, SanPark said.
As a precautionary measure, SANParks has announced the closure of all trails in Tokai, effective immediately. This includes popular hiking routes such as the Elephant’s Eye footpath, as well as mountain biking and horse riding trails, ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts during this hazardous time.
An advisory issued by SANParks states, ‘We are investigating the causes of the fires. Preliminary reports suggest they may have been started deliberately,’
They urge anyone with pertinent information regarding the fires to step forward and assist in the investigation.