Fire crews continue to battle the blaze threatening Chapman’s Peak

Despite the cooler temperatures and windless conditions that have brought reprieve to the ongoing blaze at Tokai, fire crews are concerned that the fire lines are threatening Chapman’s Peak 

Several road closures remain in place while two helicopters are airborne as the crews go into their fifth day of battling the fire. 

City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said donations are currently closed because the frontline workers have enough provisions to sustain the teams.

On Monday evening, Carelse said while the fire was not yet contained, the various fire services have made significant progress in subduing the blaze that started on Friday.

Two aerial support choppers were grounded by 6pm on Monday evening due to bad light, but have resumed duty at first light today. 

“Two helicopters are airborne again this morning to continue aerial firefighting efforts. The fire is not contained yet, and there is some concern that the two fire lines are creeping towards Chapman’s Peak. 

“A reminder to the public to please steer clear of the parts of the South Peninsula that have been affected by this fire, for their safety, but also to give firefighters space to do their jobs. We also want to reiterate our sincere appreciation to the individuals, businesses, and organisations who have made donations of food and drinks to the frontline workers – donations have closed for the moment, as we do have enough provisions to sustain the teams,” said Carelse.

Crews from the city’s Fire and Rescue Service, Table Mountain National Park, NCC Wildfires, and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) remain on scene to continue active firefighting and to watch for any potential flare-ups.

On Monday evening, Carelse said no property or lives were in danger. 

Traffic spokesperson, Maxine Bezuidenhout, confirmed the following road closures are currently in place in the South Peninsula of Cape Town: 

• Westlake Drive and Boyes Drive
• Tokai Road and Zwaanswyk Road
• Old Boyes and Boyes Drive
• Boyes and Anderson Road
• Main Road and Old Boyes Drive
• Main Road and Boyes Drive
• Main and Clairvaux Drive

“Please avoid non-essential travel in these areas, as surrounding routes will likely be impacted by the traffic being diverted away from the closed routes,” said Bezuidenhout. 

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za