The Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) says it has re-opened certain areas which had been closed off to the public following the fire that ravaged several buildings in the city.

The wildfire broke out on Sunday, April 18 in the morning and spread, resulting in at least 600 hectares of land in the Table Mountain National Park being destroyed.

TMNP Manager Frans van Rooyen said in a statement on Friday that permitted recreational activities in the reopened areas will continue as before, including hiking and dog walking.

Media Release: Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Opens Certain Areas For Recreational Use Post Fire.

Table Mountain…

Posted by SANParks – Table Mountain National Park on Friday, April 23, 2021

“Permitted recreational activities in the re-opened areas mentioned below will continue as before, including hiking and dog walking, with visitors kindly requested to remain on demarcated footpaths and to be mindful of rules pertaining to keeping dogs under control,” Van Rooyen said.

The re-opened paths include; the Newlands Forest, Devils Peak towards Platteklip footpath, Molteno jeep track towards Kloofnek, Atlantic Seaboard (Camps Bay, Kasteelspoort etc), Constantia Nek, Lions head, Signal hill and Cecilia Forest.

Van Rooyen said in the interest of the safety and the sensitivity of certain areas post-fire, some areas will remain closed until further notice.

“This will allow the rangers an opportunity to resume with the rehabilitation work, including tree cutting and footpath maintenance.”

Requests for assistance 

Closed areas include; Devils peak slopes, Deer Park, Rhodes Memorial, Kings Blockhouse, Devils peak contour footpath, Newlands ravine, Newlands contour path, Woodstock cave, Tafelberg road beyond the chain, Deadman’s tree, Bridle road intersection, Platteklip Washhouses boardwalk, Rocklands access point, Newlands Picnic site, Murray & Stewart quarry (Old quarry), Mostert Mill (Mowbray footbridge) and Old Zoo sites.

Van Rooyen said the park is now inundated with requests for assistance in the maintenance and clearing of footpaths.

“Any member of the public offering their assistance can contact Section Ranger Mathabatha Matjila on email: [email protected].

“Members of the public are requested to be vigilant at all times, adhere to the rules and report any suspicious activities on 0861 106 417,” he said.

Picture: Cape Town etc gallery

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