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Table Mountain fire – all you need to know (day 3)

3 years ago
3 years ago

The fire raging on Table Mountain is still not contained. Emergency crews, displaced students and affected wildlife all need our help now more than ever, Mother City. Here’s what you should know and what you can do.

Here is what you need to know while firefighters continue to fight the blaze.

  • A man was taken in for questioning after allegedly starting more fires on the mountain last night.
  • Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he is pleased that the police have arrested a suspect on a charge of arson in connection with the Table Mountain fires. He says the suspect is due to appear in court soon.
  • The City of Cape Town has urged City Bowl residents who have been evacuated not to return to their homes yet, with the area filled with smoke.
  • All road closures still remain in place, as firefighters continue to monitor flare-ups on Table Mountain. The roads affected include Philip Kgosana Drive and Tefelberg Drive.
  • Residents are urged to call 107 from any cell phone if in an emergency.
  • The battle against the flames could last for days, according to SANParks. “This is not an easy fire which will probably see firefighters fighting the blaze for at least three days,” they said.
  • The South African Defence Forces (SANDF) is said to be on standby for assistance with the raging blaze on the Table Mountain National Park.
  • All campus activities, Monday 19 April, at UCT have been cancelled.
  • Reports indicate that only one of four choppers are up with water because of wind.
  • Evacuation Checklist: medications, passports, ID documents, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a small bag with essential clothing and toiletries, cash, and cellphones.
  • If evacuations are ordered, residents are to make use of wet towels or rags wrapped around the mouth and nose.
  • The Ministerial Estate, Disa Park and Mountain View Complex in Vredehoek have been evacuated.
  • All schools in the Vredehoek area have been asked to evacuate, according to the City of Cape Town.
  • Upper Vredehoek, Deer Park and Oranjezicht on high alert.
  • Public donations towards the firefighting efforts can be dropped off at the Roeland Street fire station. Anyone who wishes to provide donations is advised that the four items required are: water, Energade, snacks and eye drops. ***Reports indicate that the firefighters have enough water for now. They, however, need snacks like energy bars, gummy sweets and so on. Eye drops are also in need.
  • VWS Wildfires: Donations dropped at the various fire stations reach the different City Fire teams, while donations dropped at Newlands reach various wildland firefighting agencies.
  • Road blocked en route to Newlands drop off point. Supplies for firefighters can be dropped at Tigers Milk in Claremont. Drop and get a free beer.
  • The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has dispatched inspectors to the Rhodes Memorial site. Call 083 326 1604 in case of emergency only.
  • Donations needed for The Cape of Good Hope SPCA to help with injured wildlife: dressings, bandages, Silbecor ointment, cool-packs, fresh fruit/vegetables.
  • The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Cape Town has asked Capetonians in Newlands to place shallow containers with water in their gardens for animals that might come down the mountain. All calls to be made to 083 3261604. Animals will be taken in.
  • The SPCA, PDSA and Frits Dog Hotel has opened their doors to assist people evacuating their animals free of charge.
  • All University of Cape Town students have been evacuated from campus by emergency services support staff.
  • UCT students: If you would like to contact a counsellor, the following services are standing by for you on a toll-free phone line: SA Depression and Anxiety Group: 080 024 2526 ICAS: 080 111 3945.
  • Trauma Clinic is offering free counselling to students.
  • Gift of the Givers needs volunteers to assist with dishing up meals for 4000 students. If you can assist by transporting food around Claremont and Newlands area or dishing up the food please contact them on 080 078 6911.
  • UCT: The public has been asked to donate any essential items and food which they may wish to contribute at Old Mutual West Campus, 91 Jan Smuts Road, Pinelands, Cape Town.
  • Everyone who would like to support the #UCTFire emergency relief fund is urged to please send financial donations to. Please monitor the UCT website for further updates.
  • One Movement SA is providing students in need with accommodation. Contact [email protected].
  • It is alleged that resident students will be accommodated by The Lions Club and other agencies providing relief.
  • Tennyson and Addison Street Mosques in Salt River has invited UCT students for Iftaar inshaAllah.
  • Common Ground Church (23 Milner Road) is offering a gathering and accommodation site for 350 students. They are also in the process of trying to match students who need help with those who can provide help, specifically accommodation.
  • The President and other hotels around Cape Town have donated available rooms to help those displaced by the fire.
  • The Cape Milner Hotel have made accommodation available to students and faculty in need at a UCT Fire Relief rate of R450 per single or R550 twin as an interim offer to assist.
  • Contact Tim Brown on 083 889 9292 if your hotel can help.
  • Den Anker Restaurant is offering UCT students affected by the fire a free, warm meal tonight.
  • Eat Out the Box is sponsoring pizza and delivery services to firefighters. Contribute here.
  • Uber has offered free rides to students who needed transport to evacuate the campus.
  • Burger King is offering free meals to students.
  • Gift of the Givers says it is preparing meals for at least 4 000 students.
  • Shoprite says it is serving hot meals to students being accommodated at various temporary locations.
  • Help students here.
  • The Plant Conservation Unit was damaged.
  • UCT’s library is nothing but smoke and dust.
  • Some of the most precious books, including one of the last burn Bible’s, an original illustration of The Jungle Book, drawings, maps and transcripts of stories from the indigenous peoples of the Cape are all destroyed.
  • The Rhodes Memorial Restaurant burned down.
  • Mostert’s Mill has is no more.
  • The Kirstenbosch area has been closed as a precautionary measure.
  • “Fire tourists” are asked to move away from congested areas.

For live updates click here.

Along with many incredible locals, Cape {town} Etc delivered some necessities to the Roeland St fire station. According to the department, the Mother City’s response has been overwhelming. Please continue to support!

https://twitter.com/CapeTownEtc/status/1383814014161997829

 

Picture: Supplied

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