As the sun went down on Saturday evening [October 31], smoke filled the city centre, and orange flames could be seen high in the sky from the area surrounding Deer Park. A fire was first reported in the early afternoon, and firefighting units were immediately dispatched to bring the blaze under control.
A south-easterly wind with speeds of up to 31km/h has been fanning the flames, and it is expected to continue through into Sunday. The City’s Fire Service responded with 17 firefighting appliances and 70 staff members, at 8.30pm a further four firefighting appliances were added to the crew.
City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said he was unaware of any evacuations being issued in the area. Some residents in the affected area say the fire looks like it is being brought under control. Fire crews are expected to work into the night to ensure it does not spread further.
The Cape Of Good Hope SPCA are also on standby if there are any animal-related injuries reported. They have asked residents to please report displaced or injured animals to their emergency number – 083 326 1604.
#TableMountainFire #TableMountain #TableMountainNationalPark pic.twitter.com/nI0ewiVbzE
— Dirk Lazarus (@surgeonlazarus) October 31, 2020
Apocalyptic scenes. Homes a street from us are getting evacuated.#TableMountain #DeerParkFire pic.twitter.com/bx6MUKhtpY
— Darshan (@D4rshan) October 31, 2020
Our thoughts are with our firefighters. Stay strong team as Cape Town stands behind you tonight #DeerPark #TableMountain #TableMountainNationalPark #FireSeason #WCFireSeason #Fire #Wildfire #FireIsEveryonesFight
? John Wilson pic.twitter.com/vViULH42ai
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) October 31, 2020
I’m having a major panic attack, but at least it smells yummy. Not evacuation orders in place yet. #dearparkfire #TableMountain pic.twitter.com/d8LOyGajyw
— Loch Ness Monster (@lochlanoneil) October 31, 2020
Picture: John Wilson