SANParks has provided an update on the fires in and around Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) that started over the weekend.

Due to wind changes, overnight flare-ups have been reported behind Newlands, Fernwood Park, and on the slopes of Kirstenbosch, moving towards Orangekloof, as well as towards Maclear‘s Beacon and the Back Table of TMNP, with extensive burning observed in steep and challenging terrain on the slopes of Kirstenbosch.

For safety reasons, all hiking trails between Newlands and Constantia Nek, as well as all trails leading to Maclear’s Beacon and the Back Table of TMNP, inclusive of trails leading from the area between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, are closed.

“The priority remains the safety of residents, hikers, and firefighting personnel, therefore we encourage users to refrain from accessing these areas. SANParks is appealing to the public to please respect the trail closures in order not to endanger anyone or hamper firefighting efforts,” SANParks said in a press release this morning (April 30).

SANParks currently has 40 firefighters from NCC Environmental Services and Working on Fire actively engaged in various areas along the fire line, but the fire's intensity is being influenced by wind shifts and cloud cover, making it difficult to predict and control.

“The affected areas are mostly inaccessible, and visibility is poor, posing challenges for ground and aerial crews and making it difficult to carry out water-bombing activities and active fire suppression,” SANParks added.

TMNP has extended its gratitude to the members of the public and various organisations for sponsoring beverages, warm meals, energy bars, and more for the firefighters.