The fire that started below Tafelberg Road early today [March 15] is still blazing. The City has taken the decision to evacuate homes in Nettleton Road, due to the increased spreading of the flames.
For those whose homes have been evacuated, the City has made available emergency shelter at the Clifton Community Hall. “We appeal to the public to please adhere to instructions from emergency personnel,” they said in a statement.
“Any person who is asked to evacuate should please take along their chronic medication, identity document, passports, cash, cellphones, bottled water, non-perishable food, a set of clothing, blanket and toiletries,” they added.
In addition to evacuation of certain homes, some roads have also been closed as a result of the ongoing fire. Kloofnek Road is closed at Bellevue towards Camps Bay, Geneva Drive and Camps Bay Drive are closed, and Victoria Road is closed between Queens Road and Nettleton Road due to poor visibility in the Clifton area.
The City has confirmed that several properties and vehicles have been affected by the fire. For now, their main focus is to contain the flames and to ensure that they limit any more damage. They are working closely with the Table Mountain National Park and other role-players to contain the fire.
Tremendously windy conditions continue to pose a challenge to firefighting efforts. However, the City is persisting in their attempts. “The City has 30 firefighting appliances on the scene, and more than 200 staff members in various locations: below Tafelberg road, between Kloofnek Road and Signal Hill, Lions Head towards Nettleton Road and in The Glen,” they said.
The City appeals to the public to steer clear of the affected areas.
Picture: Twitter / SANParks TMNP