21:34: IOL provides insight into archives lost at the Jagger library due to the fire.
Hundreds of years of history have gone up in smoke after an “out of control” fire destroyed the Reading Room of UCT’s nearly 200-year-old Jagger Library. https://t.co/ibRSuSAVlI
— IOL News (@IOL) April 19, 2021
21:30
Progress in pictures. The fire rages on tonight…#capetownfire #devilspeakfire https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM pic.twitter.com/enCghAGfOw
— Cape {town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
21:25
Deputy President David Mabuza's home in Groote Schuur has been gutted by the fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt. #capetownfire https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM
— Cape {town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
20:38
Watch: a brave man going above and beyond to save a bunny from the inferno.#capetownfire https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM https://t.co/ywhVSRoVhi
— Cape {town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
19.23
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. #capetownfire @TigersMilkZA https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM
— Cape {town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
19:16
The Northern section of Table Mountain right now. #capetownfire #devilspeakfire https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM pic.twitter.com/FNIHpUJFqT
— Cape {town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
18.54: The fire has broken out again on Table Mountain. Flames are roaring, fuelled by strong winds.
Fire images of the current #DevilsPeakFire in the Northern Section of Table Mountain National Park.
All the best to our men and women on the frontline made up of SANParks – NCC Wildfires Crew, Working on Fire, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and City of Cape Town. 👨🚒👩🚒🔥 pic.twitter.com/Hgmsq87ISq
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) April 19, 2021
16:41: Fire NOT contained.
Table Mountain National Park's Philip Prins told reporters at 4pm that the fire is NOT contained. There was a flare-up in Tafelberg Road in the Deer Park area. #capetownfire https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM
— Cape {town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
The IFP joins all South Africans in saluting our fire and rescue service officers who are hard at work extinguishing the wild fire on Table Mountain and surrounds – We THANK YOU for your service on the frontline! #CapeTownFires #ThankYou ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/NHixwzkHPj
— Inkatha Freedom Party (@IFPinParliament) April 19, 2021
16:21: Reports indicate the fire is largely under control now. The wind is, however, still pumping, and the possibility of flareups remains.
yesterday (Sunday, 18 April 2021).
Our Fire crews are working around the clock to suppress the ongoing Fire. Fundisle Mketeni SANP{arks CEO has wished all the best to our men and women on the frontline made up of SANParks. Working of Fire, NCC Wild Fires, City of Cape Town, pic.twitter.com/faTRR0TOeD
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) April 19, 2021
#TMNPFireUpdate at 15:30, Monday, 19 April 2021
A fire has been reported to have moved to #TafelbergRoad towards the vicinity of De De Waal Road in the Northern Section of Table Mountain National Park.
According to TMNP Fire Manager – Philip Prins “we currently have 86 pic.twitter.com/wsUojSJQWz
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) April 19, 2021
Vegetation alight at Govan Mbeki Rd and Springfield St at Lansdowne Mall. Roadway closed towards Wynberg, use alternative route. @1SecondLater #1Second #1SecondZello #1SecondTelegram @BOSBEER2006 @MARIUSBROODRYK #BokRadio
— 1Second (@1SecondLater) April 19, 2021
MVA: N2 Outbound at M5. All lanes open. Expect Delays. @1SecondLater #1Second #1SecondZello #1SecondTelegram @BOSBEER2006 @MARIUSBROODRYK #BokRadio
— 1Second (@1SecondLater) April 19, 2021
#CapeTownFires UCT Vice-chancellor @FabAcademic says the evacuation of 4000 students was not an easy task. @News24 @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/MEwqlqq3qV
— Marvin Charles (@MarvinCharles_) April 19, 2021
16: 10 Reports indicate that University of Cape Town students have been left traumatised following their evacuation from the campus.
At least 4 000 students were evacuated from the campus, as the fire spread rapidly from Rhodes Memorial on Sunday.
Doing a walk-about with the Vice Chancellor of UCT, @CityofCT Mayor Dan Plato and @WesternCapeGov Minister Anton Bredell to see the damages incurred by the fire. #capefire #UCT pic.twitter.com/tUxzpihTjk
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 19, 2021
WOF Firefighters on the ground at the Cape Town Fires which is ongoing. @environmentza @PresidencyZA @eNCA @SABCNews @News24 @GoodHopeFM @CityofCT pic.twitter.com/zuG6x99dXA
— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) April 19, 2021
15:48: Reports say despite windy conditions, the Table Mountain fire has been contained.
Aerial support has been grounded due to the windy conditions.
[Watch] Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith alongside Mayor Dan Plato speaking on the speculation about the original fire being arson and additional fires that were started. #CTNews pic.twitter.com/F8C96sOtyy
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) April 19, 2021
15:41: What we know so far:
- A raging wildfire spreading across the slopes of the Table Mountain has torched the University of Cape Town library and forced the evacuation of students from the area.
- At least 250 firefighters have been battling the blaze since Sunday
- The blaze spread to residential suburbs in the early hours of Monday, resulting in some residents being evacuated
- Casualties of the devastating blaze include a mill in Mowbray, the University of Cape Town and the Rhosed Memorial Restaurant and Tea Garden.
- SANParks says fire crews are working around the clock to suppress the ongoing fire
- SANDF is on standby for assistance
15:12: IOL reports that More people from Walmer Estate, near Zonnebloem, in the City Bowl have been asked to leave their homes.
Some Walmer Estate residents could be seen trying to stop the fire from reaching their homes, the reports say.
I’ve just arrived at UCT to assess the damage to campus and be briefed on the status of the wildfire. The media briefing will start at 15h30. #capefire pic.twitter.com/BfzTJld05T
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 19, 2021
14:57: SANParks says fire crews are working around the clock to suppress the ongoing Fire. Watch the video for more details.
Watch the video below for more details:
#TMNPFireUpdate at 14:30, Monday, 19 April 2021?
TMNP Fire Manager – Philip Prins reports.#TafelbergRoad. Fire crews are working around the clock to suppress the ongoing Fire. Watch the video for more details. #SANParks #TableMountain #CapeTownFire #FireIsEveryonesFight pic.twitter.com/Ka1M03rYiE
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) April 19, 2021
14:47: UPDATE:
Premier Alan Winde will today (Monday) visit the University of Cape Town to, together with the Vice Chancellor, assess the damage to the campus.
The Premier will lead a media briefing on the general response to the wildfire and an update on its current status, as well as damage to property, from the campus.
Premier Winde will be joined for the briefing by the Mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato, MEC of Environmental Affairs Anton Bredell, Chief Director of Disaster Management, Colin Deiner and Vice Chancellor of UCT, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng.
14:23: Wester Cape Premier Alan Winde has reiterated that the provincial government has arranged with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to have its available air resources in Cape Town on standby for assistance with the ongoing wildfire on Table Mountain National Park.
Read the full statement below:
????? ???????? ???? ??????: ?????
We have arranged with the SANDF to have its available air resources in CT on standby for assistance with the ongoing wildfire on Table Mountain National Park. Read more here ? https://t.co/aKuraXzyph #capefire pic.twitter.com/leNkRYKdYe— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 19, 2021
14:15 Schools given permission to send learners home
At least 16 schools have been given permission to send learners home due to the spreading fire on the slope of the Table mountain.
“The schools were contacted earlier by the Western Cape Education Department, notifying them of the procedures to follow, should they wish to send learners home due to health and safety concerns,” News24 quoted education department spokesperson Bronagh Casey as saying.
He said all learners will be supervised until the last learner leaves safely.
13:59: Times Live is quoting archival specialists as saying documents and archival footage from across the African continent might have been destroyed in the Cape fires.
“The terrible thing is that it was the archive of the continent
“It was papers and documents going back from all parts of Africa,” aura Robinson from the Cape Town Heritage Trust is quoted as saying.
It remains unclear how many old books and documents were destroyed inside the University of Cape Town’s Jagger Library, which houses an African collection.
It also remains unclear how much of the collection had been digitised.
13: 47: Reports indicate that the firefighters have enough water for now. They, however, need snacks like energy bars, gummy sweets and so on.
City firefighters push on to extinguish fire as wind flares up.
‘Our attention remains focused on keeping people safe and preventing further loss of property.’ – Executive Mayor Dan Plato
Read more: https://t.co/WoyPuP07ek#CTNews pic.twitter.com/P9IvbYDaJf
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) April 19, 2021
13:40: The City of Cape Town says its Air Quality Monitoring Unit has recorded very high levels of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM 2.5) at the Foreshore Monitoring Station.
“Asthmatics and other sensitive receptors with respiratory conditions are urged to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed, or alternatively leave the area if possible and to seek medical attention if respiratory distress is experienced,” the City says.
13:33: Shoprite says it is serving hot meals to students being accommodated at various temporary locations.
Due to the raging fire, students staying at UCT’s main campus were forced to evacuate last night. Shoprite’s Mobile Soup Kitchen is serving hot meals to students being accommodated at various temporary locations & will continue to do so for as long as necessary. #CapeTownFires pic.twitter.com/q1IFSAMKlq
— Shoprite Group (@WeActForChange) April 19, 2021
13:24: The Animal Welfare Society says it activated its emergency disaster contingency plan on Sunday morning after it became evident that the fire was spreading uncontrollably putting, lives and property at risk.
“At first light this morning (Sunday) we had one of our Distressed Animal vehicles manned by our Animal Care Centre Supervisor and a team of volunteers pro-actively patrolling the most severely impacted areas.
“We have just started to receive calls from pet owners from Walmer Estate and the greater Woodstock area seeking temporary refuge for their pets.
“We have subsequently recalled our operational team to help ready additional cat enclosures and dog kennels in anticipation of an influx of pets.
“Anyone needing our help is kindly requested to call our Emergency Number 082 601 1761 that is manned 24/7.
“We have also extended our help to the SPCA who are spearheading animal rescue efforts.
“The South Easter is still howling and wreaking havoc with attempts to bring it under control with tragic consequences for countless wild animals and many hapless domestic pets who must be petrified.
“Rest assured that we are here to help anyone in distress and will remain on full alert ready to mobilise all of our quite considerable resources to do our bit in whatever way we can.
“To tame this run-a-way beast is going to require a co-ordinated Herculean effort and we together with our colleagues in the animal welfare sector have readied ourselves for this seemingly impossible task,” said the Animal Welfare Society.
13:14: The South African Defence Forces (SANDF) is said to be on standby for assistance with the raging blaze on the Table Mountain National Park.
“At the moment the wind is too strong and it is not safe to fly the helicopters. As soon as the weather permits, the air force will be in the air. The Oryx can carry a water payload of 2 000 litres per drop. We welcome the SAAF support as always,” the minister of local government, environmental affairs and development planning in the Western Cape Anton Bredell was quoted as saying.
13:00 DA shadow minister of environment, forestry and fisheries Dave Bryant has reportedly called for an independent investigation into the Table Mountain fire.
News24 quoted Bryant on Monday as saying the investigation should determine if firebreaks in the area were maintained prior to the fire.
“While the hot weather and high winds certainly played a major role in the fast spread of this fire, there should have been more effective contingency measures in place to prevent the rapid spread and both SANParks and UCT need to provide answers in this regard,” said Bryant.
12:45: In brief:
The University of Cape Town’s usually bustling campus has remained a ghost town on Monday, as firefighters continue to battle the blaze that is raging in central Cape Town.
Thousands of students have been evacuated.
Several buildings including the Pearson, Smuts and Fuller halls, as well as the Jagger Library, have been affected by the blaze – by far the biggest loss is the library, which housed invaluable collections.
12:29: LATEST : RHODES MEMORIAL FIRE UPDATE
FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES – JERMAINE CARELSE
• Active firefighting is concentrated in the the following areas: Vredehoek, Philip Kgosana Drive and UCT
• City firefighting resources dispatched include 32 firefighting appliances and more than 150 firefighters
• They are assisted by staff from TMNP, Working on Fire and the Volunteer Wildfire Services
• The fire is not under control yet – at this time, the wind is a major contributing factor
• Aerial firefighting support remains grounded due to the strong winds
• Four firefighters have been injured and are receiving medical treatment – two of the four are City firefighters
DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT – CHARLOTTE POWELL
• Evacuations have taken place at UCT as well as the following locations in Vredehoek: Peppertree Road, Ministerial Estate, Disa Park, Mountain View complex
• All schools in Vredehoek have been asked to evacuate
• Assessments are underway in Zonnebloem
• In the event of evacuation, please remember to take chronic medication, Identity Documents, passports, cash, cellphones, bottled water, non-perishable food, a set of clothing, blanket and toiletries.
• The City’s Air Quality Monitoring Unit has recorded very high levels of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM 2.5) at the Foreshore Monitoring Station. Asthmatics and other sensitive receptors with respiratory conditions are urged to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed, or alternatively leave the area if possible and to seek medical attention if respiratory distress is experienced
• DRMC staff and volunteers are distributing donations from the public to command posts along the fire-line
Cape Town fire: How to help?
Our hearts and thoughts are with the firefighters, residents and students affected by the fire in #CapeTown.
If you would like to make a monetary or physical donation, kindly see the details in our tweet. #ctfire @SiyaKolisi_Bear pic.twitter.com/b009MefX8F
— Kolisi Foundation (@KolisiFdn) April 19, 2021
12:23 SANParks has urged the public to stay away from the Table Mountain National Park, after scores tried to enter the park on Monday morning, reports say.
“Rangers had their hands full this morning at their entrances stopping users from partaking in their usual day-to-day activities within the Table Mountain National Park.
“Park personnel are hard at work trying to put down the fire and most resources are dedicated to the fire. It is for this reason that we urge users to stay away from the following areas: Newlands Forest, Groote Schuur Estate, Rhodes Memorial, Devils Peak, Tafelberg Road, Vredehoek, and Deer Park sections of the park. That includes all recreation areas below and above Tafelberg Road, which will remain closed until further notice,” Sanparks spokesperson Rey Thakhuli
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.#capetownfire #community https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM
— Cape {Town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
The frightening situation in walmer estate right now. The smoke is atrocious. Some people have ekdt, because of the smoke. We are ready to go if needed. #CapeTownFires @everywherefire pic.twitter.com/UfpmhdPAHr
— Miriam Mannak (@miriammannak) April 19, 2021
11:56: The Cape of Good Hope SPCA says it has opened its doors to assist people evacuating their animals free of charge.
[SAFE HAVEN] The SPCA, PDSA and Frits Dog Hotel has opened our doors to assist people evacuating their animals free of charge. Details in the link below https://t.co/PzKoLycXd7
— Cape of Good Hope SPCA (@capespca) April 19, 2021
Rhodes Memorial Fire Update #CTNews
FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES:
• Active firefighting is concentrated in the the following areas: Vredehoek, Philip Kgosana Drive and UCT
• City firefighting resources dispatched include 32 firefighting appliances and more than 150 firefighters pic.twitter.com/KZwKYwoXYo— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) April 19, 2021
11:32: Companies, organisations and individuals have come together and used the power of social media to reach out to those who have been affected by the raging fires that started on Sunday at the Table Mountain.
University of Cape Town students, in particular, are in need of accommodation and food after the fire destroyed part of the campus.
Reports indicated on Monday that Uber had offered free rides to students who needed transport to evacuate the campus.
Meanwhile, Fast-food chain Burger King offered free meals for affected students, while a trauma clinic is offering free counselling for students.
Gift of the Givers says it is preparing meals for at least 4 000 students.
Our hearts go out to all the UCT res students affected by the fire & appreciate the firefighters combating the blaze. We welcome you all, for a Free Whopper meal at BK Cavendish, as a token of support.
*Students, show res cards.
*Firefighter, show ID cards.
*Valid: 18 – 19 Apr pic.twitter.com/HwuxqwgjOu— BURGER KING® South Africa (@BurgerKingZA) April 18, 2021
My clinic and organisation are on standby to offer free counselling services to UCT students who have been affected by the #CapeTownFires. https://t.co/uiLiXiHv8G pic.twitter.com/I9WwYH5uci
— ?✨oy vey bae✨? (@katelsolomons) April 19, 2021
#GiftOfTheGivers responds to #UniversityofCapeTown Fuller House (students residence) Fire ?
Our teams have responded by preparing meals for 4000 students for this evening. UCT has requested #GiftoftheGivers to manage the feeding and other essentials for the next week. pic.twitter.com/a5X4bqKaCE
— Gift of the Givers (@GiftoftheGivers) April 18, 2021
11:20 Aerial firefighting support remains grounded, as more than 150 firefighters are battling the fire on Table Mountain. This is due to strong winds – the same ones that are fanning the flames.
“The fire is not under control yet. At this time, the wind is a major contributing factor,” says City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carlese.
He says active firefighting is concentrated in Vredehoek, along Philip Kgosana Drive and around UCT
UPDATE ON FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION pic.twitter.com/PRKmYVjWyj
— UCT SRC (@UCT_SRC) April 19, 2021
Students in hotels will be informed regarding check out date. Prior to this, students are permitted to stay in hotels and accommodation provided by UCT.
The SRC will communicate further on this.
— UCT SRC (@UCT_SRC) April 19, 2021
11:01: WATCH:
Cape Town Executive Mayor Dan Plato has visited the University of Cape Town to view the extent of the fire damage.
[Watch] Cape Town Executive Mayor, Dan Plato, visits @UCT_news to view the extent of the fire damage.
The public is advised that any donations should be dropped off at the Roeland Street fire station. Donations of water, Energade, energy bars and Eyegene are encouraged. #CTNews pic.twitter.com/wBrIrE8pee
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) April 19, 2021
10:56: Premier Alan Winde has thanked everyone that has helped since the wildfire broke out on Sunday morning, saying: “Our teams are hard at work to get this fire under control.”
THANK YOU to everyone that has helped since yesterday’s wildfire broke out. Thank you for all the kind gestures from residents to support our firefighters and our students. Our teams are hard at work to get this fire under control. #capetownfire pic.twitter.com/TnT0vxjrhI
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 19, 2021
10:52: #capetownfires
#capetownfires ?How to help @capespca wildlife division. Donations can be dropped off at any @Absolute_Pets in @capetown or see below ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ https://t.co/vbjDWCNpZb. @KFMza @CapeTalk @TraceyLange #ctfire
— Liezel V ? (@liezelv) April 19, 2021
10:45: Here is Premier Alan Winde’s updated statement on the Table Mountain fire:
????? ???????? ???? ??????: ?????
The wildfire spread overnight to the Devils Peak Estate/Vredehoek area of the CT City Bowl with some areas being evacuated as a precautionary measure. Our teams are working hard on the ground? https://t.co/csEh7C0Seb pic.twitter.com/0aa9OmD9Q5— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 19, 2021
Helicopter filling up in the Newlands Swimming Pool. #capetown #CapeTownFires pic.twitter.com/Dl1LsNWC1g
— Kristine Pearson (@KPLifeline) April 19, 2021
10:37: In Brief:
Reports indicate that as firefighters battled the fire between Rhodes Memorial and the slopes above Vredehoek, they received calls that people were making fires in the bush.
“Two calls in rapid succession indicating that they had seen people moving through the bush starting fires, three individuals,” EWN reported on Monday.
This led to one man being arrested. He was suspected of having started on the fires that are still raging on the slopes of the mountain.
The suspect remained in custody on Monday.
The City of Cape Town’s JP Smith was quoted as saying that when law enforcement officials questioned him, he initially said that he was trying to stop the fire and then said that he had started it.
“It won’t be clear until all the documentation, all the investigation, all the witness statements are in. When the officer asked him, he said ‘but I started the fire’ and the officer then asked him if he meant the original fire. He may have accidentally let the fire get out of his control from cooking or otherwise. This will have to now be a criminal investigation and there is going to be substantial consequences for him.”
10:22: LATEST: 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.
10:15: Social media users have taken to Twitter to express their shock and devastation after the fire-veld destroyed the University of Cape Town’s Jagger Library and Mostert’s Mill among other heritage sites on Sunday.
As a kid in primary school, I attended in Mowbray. We used to do weekly walks to Mostert’s Mill… This breaks my heart? https://t.co/V8G8Q4dP88
— Dean Roberts ? (@TheVeganBoss) April 19, 2021
The uni that is now up in flames ? I spent many sun rises and sunsets on this campus pic.twitter.com/PtMEDYQ7OO
— Wiblash (@wiblash_) April 18, 2021
Built in 1796, Mostert’s Mill in Cape Town, the oldest working windmill in South Africa, was all but destroyed today. #capetownfire pic.twitter.com/BW6THnNxTJ
— Lex Loizides (@lexloiz) April 18, 2021
My mom, brother and me at Mostert’s Mill in Mowbray ?#capetownfire pic.twitter.com/OASHku6aJB
— TiaraRay ? (@SydenhamStekkie) April 19, 2021
Reports indicate that only one of four choppers are up with water because of wind.#capetownfire https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM
— Cape {Town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
10:07: #capetownfires
Walmer estate is slowly being evacuated #CapeTownFires pic.twitter.com/TnvLnxclJF
— gigi hadith (@zara_rossouw) April 19, 2021
10:03: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway suspends operations
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has suspended operations due to the fire on mountain. All operations will remain suspended until the area is declared safe, said the managing director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company.
He urged the public to keep all roads in the vicinity of the fires clear and to cooperate with instructions given by firefighting teams.
09:50: STATEMENT BY MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, ALDERMAN JP SMITH
19 April 2021
The fire that initially started in the vicinity of Rhodes Memorial just under 24 hours ago continues to rage and has spread in the direction of Vredehoek.
All efforts remain focused on active firefighting for the moment, although the fire is hard to reach in places and we hope that aerial firefighting support can be deployed to douse the flames before it reaches the urban edge.
However, the wind could impact on this deployment.
For the moment, there are some precautionary evacuations taking place in Vredehoek, but no other evacuations were necessary overnight.
We commend the firefighters, Disaster Risk Management staff and volunteers, the enforcement staff and every other agency and individual who have played a role in the efforts to contain the fire, and continue to do so.
We would also like to thank the public for opening their hearts and wallets to the firefighters, but also the students who were evacuated by UCT.
The fire that initially started in the vicinity of Rhodes Memorial just under 24 hours ago continues to rage and has spread in the direction of Vredehoek.
Read more: https://t.co/sr4m1qz5e8#CTNews pic.twitter.com/XADJLjt5Eq
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) April 19, 2021
There has been property damage, details of which are in the public domain, but the City will do a full assessment once the fire is under control.
Thus far, two City firefighters have been injured and we wish them a speedy recovery.
There is a lot of speculation currently about additional fires that were started, and whether the original fire was an act of arson.
This will form part of investigations, but the City can confirm that one suspect in his thirties was taken into custody last night in the vicinity of Devil’s Peak.
He was spotted by a resident, who tracked him down with the help of his sons and the family’s dogs.
The matter is with SAPS for investigation and further details will follow as they become available.
For now, the focus is on bringing the fire under control and we appeal to the public to assist the authorities by following instructions in respect of evacuations where necessary, staying away from the active firefighting scenes so that firefighters can focus on the job at hand, and by reporting any information that may be relevant to the investigations into this incident.
#capetownfires
Good morning Cape Town! Fair conditions are predicted with a strong breeze and temperatures reaching a high of 23 degrees.
We salute all our firefighters, thank you! #CapeTownFires
⚠️Follow @CityofCTAlerts for City updates. pic.twitter.com/gavptuEyKH
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) April 19, 2021
09:43: Reports indicate that only one of four choppers are up with water because of wind
09:42: #capetownfires
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#capetownfire https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM— Cape {Town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
09:38 #capetownfires
If evacuations are ordered, residents are to make use of wet towels or rags wrapped around the mouth and nose. #capetownfire https://t.co/3gLkBgzwwM
— Cape {Town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) April 19, 2021
09:35: #capetownfires
NB: CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR TODAY 19 APRIL pic.twitter.com/lXz4mbpjjm
— UCT SRC (@UCT_SRC) April 19, 2021
09:33: “We hope aerial firefighting support can be deployed to douse the flames before they reach the urban edge.
“However, the wind could impact on this deployment.
“For the moment, there are some precautionary evacuations taking place in Vredehoek, but no other evacuations were necessary overnight,” mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said.
09:30: The City of Cape Town in investigating reports about the original blaze being due to arson and of additional fires being started.
According to Times Live, this was disclosed by mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith.
“There is a lot of speculation about additional fires that were started, and whether the original fire was an act of arson. This will form part of the investigations, but the city can confirm one suspect in his 30s was taken into custody last night in the vicinity of Devil’s Peak.”
City of Cape Town’s JP Smith says as they investigate a chance of arson; “one suspect in his 30s was taken into custody last night in vicinity of Devil’s Peak”. Apparently the suspect was tracked down by a concerned resident with help of his sons & dogs. #CapeTownFires @etvNewsSA pic.twitter.com/iRHbbRVCBM
— Graeme Raubenheimer (@GraemeRauby) April 19, 2021
09:22: UCT has confirmed that it had lost parts of the rare African Studies collection in the fire, reports say.
The flames completely gutted the Jagger Reading Room on upper campus.
UCT vice-chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, said that they were not sure yet exactly how much they had lost.
“Having lost the Jagger Reading Room completely and some parts of the African Studies collection is completely devastating.”
09:20: #capetownfires
Here’s a better image on the current situation of the fire. (image taken at 07:30 this morning) #CapeTownFires #CapeTown @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/OmB86hxvX1
— ??????? ????????? (@AJGMolyneaux) April 19, 2021
09:18: #capetownfires
The wind is crazy in Cape Town this morning, hampering firefighting efforts. The air is thick with smoke in the city & the fire line on the mountain can be seen from the N1. Good luck to our firefighters who have another arduous day ahead of them ?? pic.twitter.com/XEkLtqAkrU
— Monique Mortlock (@MoniqueMortlock) April 19, 2021
09:15: “I think the extreme heat and the wind that we faced and just the weather conditions were just against the firefighters. the wind just blows the embers to the other side. It was dry and a bit windy and there was all the conducive conditions for the fire to spread rapidly,” EWN quoted The City of Cape Town’s fire services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse as saying.
09:13: EWN reports that authorities are set to assess the damage caused nation’s oldest university following a massive fire.
The report says fire authorities and members of the University of Cape Town will assess the damage.
09:00 #capetownfires
Seen: Our team transporting the next load of hot meals to Groote Schuur residences as the students arrive in buses.
Students require essential items such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste.#MakeADifference #ForTheGreaterGood #DisasterResponse #CapeTownFires #UCTFire pic.twitter.com/xA6BeTeejW
— Gift of the Givers (@GiftoftheGivers) April 19, 2021
08:57: #capetownfires
Gift of the Givers Feeds 4,000 UCT Students “With Love”
Join us in our disaster response initiative:
➡️ Donate via: https://t.co/YVsmxucVdC
➡️ Bank details: Standard Bank, Pietermaritzburg, Account number 052137228, Branch Code 057525. Ref UCT Firehttps://t.co/iyxTi7kfVx— Gift of the Givers (@GiftoftheGivers) April 19, 2021
#capetownfires
Heartbreaking to see the University of Cape Town like this. Greatly appreciative of all the firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to get the Table Mountain fire under control. pic.twitter.com/7fp87e2LZu
— PetersenLab_UCT (@PetersenLab_UCT) April 18, 2021
08:45: South African National Parks says there is overwhelming support from Cape Town residents for firefighters currently fighting a running fire in Table Mountain National Park. Scores of community members
08:37: Manager of the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and Tea Garden Jessica Lyon says they are still in shock after the fire ripped through the area.
“All we know is that we managed to evacuate the clients and staff as quickly as possible. I don’t knbow what the extent of the damage is.
“We will be okay. We are going to be fine,” News24 quoted her as saying.
Devils peak fire claiming Rhodes memorial restaurant pic.twitter.com/23IqvRqSUx
— ben goes brrrr (@callmeBen0) April 18, 2021
08:29: News24 reports that at least 4 000 UCT students were evacuated on Sunday after the veldfire reached the campus.
08:16: UCT is not able, at the moment, to confirm the extent of the damage to property.
“UCT is at this stage not able to confirm extent of the damage to property, as well as the number or names of buildings affected,” IOL quoted UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola as saying last night.
Dramatic images from the scene showed UCT’s library on fire as well as the HWP building. Students living on campus have been evacuated.
#CapeTownFire #CapeTownFires #CapeTown
Upper Vredehoek, Deer Park & Oranjezicht on high alert. Residents on the edge of the reserve have been evacuated since 4am this morning. pic.twitter.com/1KKYxcDE02— Ian Gordon (@ifgordon) April 19, 2021
08:06: IN BRIEF: What exactly happened?
The vegetation fire is believed to have been started by a vagrant. It first moved up towards Rhodes Memorial and then towards the UCT upper campus.
Rhodes Memorial Restaurant has burnt down, while part of the UCT library, residences and upper campus buildings were also damaged by the fire.
Fire crews have been working throughout the night. The City has more than 200 of its firefighters on the scene from various stations across the metropole, working alongside the TMNP staff, Working on Fire and the Volunteer Wildfire Services.
UPDATE ON FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS
The fire has now spread towards the Vredehoek area as a result of the South Easter.
The…
Posted by City of Cape Town on Sunday, April 18, 2021
UPDATE ON DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT EFFORTS
Precautionary evacuations have gotten underway in Peppertree Road in…
Posted by City of Cape Town on Sunday, April 18, 2021
07:53: UCT Vice Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng says all campus activity will not proceed on Monday and Tuesday, as the university assesses the situation and provides further update.
“The safety of students and staff is paramount. For safety reasons, the campus will be closed down and no one, other than emergency services will be allowed access. We are all anxious about the extent of the damage to the Rondesbosch campus. We will provide updates as soon as we are able to do so,” said Phakeng.
She says food and emergency accommodation have been arranged for all students who have been evacuated.
07:45: “The fire has now spread towards the Vredehoek area as a result of the south-easter. The wind speed increased from about 2am this morning and additional fire crews are now stationed at Pepper Tree and Chelmsford area.
“As a precautionary, these areas were evacuated. Further crews are on Tafelberg road as the wind speed is predicted to increase throughout the morning.
“This could also potentially impact on the deployment of aerial firefighting support this morning. More than 250 firefighters from the City, Table Mountain National Parks (TMNP), Working on Fire and the Volunteer Wildfire Services remain on the ground, fighting the fire on various fronts,” said a City spokesperson at 7.11am, according to IOL
07:43: #capetownfires
Wind is picking up, be prepared and pack essentials, danger of fire spreading rapidly or changing direction is real. #beprepared #CapeTownFires #capetown pic.twitter.com/MMNbVfxeMQ
— Mimi? (@arbmimi) April 19, 2021
07:41: IOL reports that Vredehoek residents in the City Bowl began evacuating their homes early this morning as strong winds picked up at about 02:00 and keep fanning a fire that started on Sunday.
City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell confirmed that evacuations were under way, with Fire and Rescue vehicles on the scene as the wind speed is predicted to increase throughout the morning.
#capetownfire
Please be aware that wild animals may end up in residential areas as they try and escape the fire. Twitter doesn’t need your video of the animals, instead contact Animal Welfare or one of the other Animal rescue agencies #capetownfire
— Dylan Graham (@TheDylanGraham) April 18, 2021
07:35: #capetownfire
Massive shoutout to greater Tokai and Kirstenhof communities for their generosity in the face of #DevilsPeak #wildfirehttps://t.co/0Eh8OKxPHb@NCCWildfires @vwsfires @wo_fire @CPFPA1 @JacqMaraisPhoto @TableMntnWatch @camerondugmore @alanwinde @CreateAStirSA @carocurtain pic.twitter.com/X5eefgBZzS
— Parkscape (@ParkscapeSA) April 19, 2021
07:33 #capetownfire
19/04/2021
CPT
Table Mountain
Fires getting much worse. The wind is very strong coming over the mountain blowing the fire down the slopes toward the city. It has almost reached the suburban line. @eNCA @CityofCT @cptfrs @TableMountainNP #CapeTownFires #CapeTown #capefire pic.twitter.com/e0604h2xgL— RIOT & ATTACK info South Africa (@RiotAndAttackSA) April 19, 2021
07:32: #capetownfire
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Cape Town has asked Capetonians near to the fire in Newlands to place shallow containers with water in their gardens for animals that might come down the mountain after the Fire. All calls to be made to 083 3261604 – open 24/7. Animals will be taken in.
— Rhombus Media RSA (@RhombusMediaRSA) April 18, 2021
07:26: Hiking Cape Town says the fire is continuing to spread, as it has reached Devils Peak and towards the CBD.
“If you come across injured wildfire, please call Cape of Good Hope SACA on 083 326 1604.
07:18: EWN reports that at least four firefighters have been injured while battling a blaze on the slopes of the Table Mountain.
More than 200 firefighters have been battling the inferno, the report says.
“An additional member from the volunteer service was also injured and was taken to hospital, so we’re currently standing at four firefighters – two from the city and two from the volunteer firefighting service,” Fire and rescue services’ Jermaine Carelse was quoted as saying.
#capetownfire
Top of Vredehoek evacuated. Fire is moving quickly powered by strong winds. #capetownfire #fire #rhodesfire #vredehoek #DPVWatch pic.twitter.com/4qHOpOkmTl
— Toby GvZ (@TobyG13_) April 19, 2021
07:12: City of Cape Town Dusaster Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell says evacuations are still under way. She did not, however, give more details, according to News24.
07:08: Philip Kgosana Drive inbound is closed at Hospital Bend, while Princess Ann Avenue is closed between the Main Road and M3. Woolsack Drive is closed between Main Road and M3.
In Vredenhoek, Chelmsford Road and Pepper Tree Road are closed.
Tafelberg Road has also been closed
06:59: City of Cape Town Traffic Service Spokesperson Maxine Bezuidenhout says road closures remain in place on Monday morning. The M3, both inbound and outbound is closed between Hospital Bend and Rhodes drive.
06:56: #Capetownfire
Thank You to the Brave Firefighters for Tireless Efforts in Cape Blaze! – https://t.co/gKal8H36U0 pic.twitter.com/Ho2z5NP0Ee
— Good Things Guy (@GoodThingsGuy) April 19, 2021
06:54: The massive fire that began on Sunday morning has spread overnight, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.
06:22: Ward Councillor Nicole Jewell posted on Facebook that witnesses had told police that they had seen three people trying to deliberately stoke the blaze late on Sunday night.
“Unbelievable. Three arsonist witnessed starting three separate fires on Philip Kgosana drive. Seen by witnesses and running away. About 30 minutes ago,” she said, adding that fire service are on the scene but are “stretched beyond limits”
06:20: A suspected arsonist has since been apprehended in connection with the fire that is currently engulfing the foothills of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, reports The South African. The suspect was arrested on Sunday night.
06:19: Several agencies responding to the devastating fire that ripped through a number of buildings on Sunday afternoon, including the UCT library, have claimed that the fire was started by “vagrants”.
06:18: Get the latest updates as, efforts to contain the Table Mountain fire that started on Sunday morning, continues. Property including private homes, Rhodes Memorial restaurant and historical structures such as the Mostert’s Hill windmill have been damaged.
Picture: Twitter