Over 100 firefighters are currently battling two fires on Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Significant progress has been reported towards controlling the flames, which have been active since Sunday. No injuries have been reported, and firefighters will remain on alert overnight to prevent the fires from reigniting.
On Wednesday, over 100 firefighters enacted a formidable response to two fires on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. The South African National Parks authority reported that they are making significant strides in controlling the situation as the blazes threatened to spread toward the city. The deployment included 115 firefighters, supported by four helicopters and two planes, contributing to containment efforts.
The fires, which have persisted since at least Sunday, pose a seasonal threat during the hot, dry summer months, particularly from December to April, when strong coastal winds can exacerbate fire risks. Notably, Cape Town is currently hosting a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 nations, which is proceeding without incident despite the nearby blazes.
In 2021, Table Mountain witnessed one of the most destructive fires in its recent history, affecting the University of Cape Town and resulting in evacuations of surrounding neighborhoods. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported from the current incidents. Firefighters will maintain a presence on Table Mountain overnight to mitigate the risk of the flames reigniting due to shifting winds.
In conclusion, the firefighting efforts on Table Mountain are underway with significant progress being made to contain the two blazes threatening Cape Town. With a robust team of over 100 firefighters and air support, the situation is being monitored closely, especially given the previous destructive fires in the region. Thankfully, there have not been any reported injuries, and continued vigilance is necessary as conditions may change.
Original Source: www.newsday.com