WATCH: Firefighters battle ongoing blaze in Tokai

Firefighting efforts continued late into the night to extinguish the blaze that ripped through the mountain in Tokai.  

Three separate fires started on Friday afternoon and early evening in the Lower and Upper Tokai areas of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), with two of the fires successfully contained overnight, but the third fire remaining active.

The Noordhoek retirement village was evacuated on Sunday, as over 90 firefighters worked tirelessly across several fronts, including Noordhoek, Steenberg Estate, Ou Kaapse Weg, and Clovelly.

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said four choppers were water bombing the area.

Carelse said more than 100 city firefighters were scene on Monday, assisted by TMNP, NCC Wildfires and Volunteer Wildfire Services.

“An Incident Management Team Type 3 has been activated and will work on a 12-hour rotation.

"This provides greater oversight in managing the incident,” Carelse said. 

“Currently, the Tokai area is of concern as thick and dry vegetation is aiding the spread of the fire.”

Carelse urged the public to stay away from the affected areas.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, and road closures remain in place,” Carelse said. 

He added that donations of water, energy drinks and bars, and non-perishable items may be dropped off at Lakeside Fire Station.

SANParks said the fire intensified due to shifting wind direction and increased wind speed.

Teams continued to address hotspots throughout the night, although aerial operations concluded before 7pm due to darkness.

SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, said fresh crews were deployed yesterday morning to relieve those on the ground, and four helicopters were on standby to resume water-bombing operations as soon as the low mist and lingering smoke lifted. 

“The fire remains uncontained and is now threatening areas close to Boyes Drive above St James and Kalk Bay.

"The right flank of the fire stretches between Ou Kaapse Weg and Steenberg Peak. Firefighters are continuing to focus on preventing the fire from reaching nearby communities, including Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly,” Louw said. 

“So far, no structural damage has been reported, though around 3 000 hectares of vegetation have been affected.”

Louw said all available resources from the TMNP Fire Management Team, NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Provincial Disaster Management, Enviro Wildfire Services, and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services are actively involved in the firefighting operation.

“We urge the public to strictly adhere to all trail closures and to avoid the central and southern sections of Table Mountain National Park for their safety,” Louw said. 

Additionally, Louw said Tokai and Silvermine hiking trails remain closed until further notice, while Ou Kaapse Weg and Boyes Drive remain closed in both directions.

Meanwhile, the Animal Welfare Society of SA said it has been inundated with emergency calls as its teams also tirelessly work on the ground to assist animals affected.

“Our team has been dispatched to continue offering assistance to any animals in need. Thank you to the brave firefighters who worked tirelessly through the night."

The Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation said baboons have been accounted for but may have to shift foraging areas and sleep sites. while horses have been moved to safe areas.

"Over the past few days, countless animals have lost their homes to the fires.

"Vast areas of wild space have been burned - SANParks have stated that around 3 000 hectares of vegetation have been affected.

"Wildlife trying to escape have to cross smouldering embers and thick smoke.

"Many animals are suffering a variety of injuries, stress, exhaustion, thirst, and hunger as they flee the fire. More are expected to move into urban edges seeking safety over coming days.

"They may need some time in the urban areas as the wild spaces recover."

Cape Argus