Cape Town, South Africa – Firefighters are battling an escalating wildfire on Table Mountain, which has been raging since Sunday, February 26, 2025.
Strong winds and dry summer conditions have fueled the flames, forcing road closures, temporarily halting the Table Mountain Cableway, and prompting urgent warnings for public safety.
Inferno spreads toward City Bowl
The fire, which ignited in Newlands Ravine, has since spread toward Tafelberg Road and Vredehoek due to shifting wind conditions. Late on Tuesday night, the flames crested Devil’s Peak ridge, casting an eerie red glow over Cape Town and alarming residents in neighborhoods like Vredehoek and Oranjezicht.
Despite the fire’s proximity to residential areas, SANParks spokesperson JP Louw assured — in a statement – that there is no immediate threat to homes:
“The current priority is focused on mop-up operations and containing any potential spread in this area.”
Massive firefighting operation underway
With the fire advancing unpredictably, emergency teams have ramped up their efforts. At first light on Wednesday, all available aerial resources, including two helicopters and a spotter plane, were deployed to battle the blaze. A third helicopter was dispatched from Stellenbosch to assist in the City Bowl.
Edward Bosch, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, detailed the current operations:
“Four helicopters are still water bombing the fire line overhead while ground crews are mopping up. No property damage or injuries have been reported.”
200 plus crew members, including over 80 firefighters, have been deployed to Table Mountain, with an additional 20 personnel battling fires at Signal Hill and Ocean View. Ground crews are working tirelessly to cut firebreaks and prevent the spread toward residential areas.
Trail and cableway closures as fire damage mounts
SANParks and emergency officials have closed several trails due to fire damage, rockfalls, and unstable conditions. However, despite repeated warnings, hikers continue to ignore the restrictions.
SANParks issued a firm statement on Tuesday, stating:
“Despite repeated warnings, individuals were encountered along the burnt trails this morning. We urge the public to strictly adhere to all trail closures for their safety and to allow firefighting teams to complete their operations unhindered.”
Closed areas include:
- Front Table Trails: Platteklip Gorge to Newlands, including Maclear’s Beacon.
- Tafelberg Road: Closed to the public.
- Kirstenbosch & Rhodes Memorial Estate: Newlands Forest remains closed.
- Red Hill Trails: Access from Red Hill, Slangkop, Ocean View, Jonkersdam, and Kleinplaas Dam is restricted.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has also been shut down.
“Due to smoke in and around the area, the fire department has closed Tafelberg Road. As a result, the Table Mountain Cableway is not operational today until further notice,” said Selma Hercules, executive director of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company.
Climate conditions fueling wildfire risk
The fire’s rapid spread has drawn attention to Cape Town’s vulnerability to wildfires, particularly in late summer when conditions are dry and winds are strong.
Dr. Stefaan Conradie, a climate science lecturer at the University of Cape Town (UCT), as quoted by the Daily Maverick, that Cale Town summers have always presented weather conditions conducive to wildfire spread. With the current season being relatively long and dry, with strong and persistent winds and relatively low humidity, this rapidly dries out vegetation that grew quickly during the winter and spring wet season: “Wind can also carry burning material ahead of the active fire line, helping the fire spread.”
Conradie pointed out that while this season has been drier than usual, it does not qualify as a drought. However, he cautioned that longer, warmer dry seasons—a pattern linked to climate change—could increase the severity and frequency of wildfires in the future.
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A long battle ahead
As of Wednesday morning, firefighting teams remain on high alert, closely monitoring flare-ups in inaccessible areas. Authorities continue to assess the fire’s trajectory and the potential need for additional resources.
Emergency officials urge the public to stay away from closed areas and avoid unnecessary risks. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.
For now, Cape Town holds its breath as the battle against the Table Mountain wildfire continues.