Cape Town’s battle against the Tygerberg Hills fire has seen “massive strides,” according to the City’s Safety and Security Mayco Member JP Smith.
Tygerberg Hills fire update: Cooler weather aids firefighters contain blaze
In his update on Friday, Smith lauded the overnight efforts of firefighters, noting that no properties were affected by the inferno.
“The cooler, overcast weather conditions will aid in extinguishing the sporadic flare-ups,” Smith stated.
He also confirmed that on-site resources were scaled back from 09:00.
Smith expressed gratitude for the public and business donations of refreshments to the staff, a gesture he described as deeply appreciated.
The fire, which started in the Tygerberg mountains on the morning of Thursday, 25 January 2024, quickly escalated, leading to the evacuation of residents from the Kanonberg Estate and Oude Westhof as a precaution.
Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse reported that while the blaze was not contained initially, substantial resources, including 20 firefighting units, 4×4 vehicles, and two choppers, were deployed to combat the flames.
Despite the challenging terrain, comprising mostly gravel and steep gradients, no injuries were reported among the firefighters, though a few were treated for heat exhaustion.
Carelse emphasised the dedication of the teams working tirelessly to control the vegetation fire.
At this stage, the cause of the Tygerberg Hills fire remains unknown. However, authorities are investigating potential sources.
