Firefighters are battling an intense wildfire on Table Mountain, which broke out late on 25 February 2025 and rapidly spread due to strong winds.
Table Mountain fire: Latest updates on Wednesday, 26 February 2025
The fire, which initially started in Newlands Ravine, has extended towards Tafelberg Road and Vredehoek, prompting evacuations and road closures.
SANParks Table Mountain National Park confirmed that aerial firefighting efforts began at first light, with helicopters and a spotter plane working to contain the flames near Devil’s Peak. Meanwhile, an active fire in Red Hill continues to burn south of Ocean View toward Kommetjie.
Head of Communication for SANParks, JP Louw, expressed concern over the worsening conditions.
“Of particular concern at this stage is the wind prediction for the afternoon, which could significantly impact the Devil’s Peak section of the fire,” he stated.
Roads to avoid as firefighting efforts continue
Authorities have urged hikers and motorists to stay clear of high-risk areas, with several key roads and trails closed until further notice:
- Tafelberg Road is closed to all public traffic.
- Front Table trails from Platteklip Gorge to Newlands, including Maclear’s Beacon, are off-limits.
- Kirstenbosch and Rhodes Memorial Estate remain closed due to active fire lines.
- Newlands Forest is also closed for safety reasons.
- Red Hill trails, including Slangkop, Ocean View, Jonkersdam, and Kleinplaas Dam, are inaccessible.
Authorities warn hikers to avoid entering closed-off areas, as fire damage and ongoing operations pose severe risks.
More than 83 firefighters have been deployed to contain the Table Mountain blaze, while an additional 20 personnel are working to extinguish separate fires in Signal Hill and Ocean View.
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services, alongside NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, and Provincial Disaster Management, have all mobilized resources.
As of Wednesday morning, no confirmed reports of injuries or property damage have been released.
However, officials continue to monitor the fire’s movement, warning that shifting winds could further escalate the situation.