CAPE TOWN – Multiple firefighting crews are battling a vegetation fire that broke out in Dido Valley near Scala Road, Simon’s Town on Wednesday afternoon, with aerial support requested to assist ground efforts.
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed emergency services received reports of the blaze at approximately 11:50 on Wednesday 11 March.
Multi-agency response
Several crews responded to the scene, including firefighters from the South African Navy and Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
Carelse explained crews were strategically positioned to protect nearby properties while deploying extensive fire-hose lengths to combat the flames.
“Crews are positioned to protect properties and running out lengths of fire hose as the fire is quite high up,” he said.
Aerial support requested
Due to the challenging terrain and fire location an early decision was made to request aerial support.
Two helicopters had been called to assist ground crews in accessing the difficult terrain and providing water-bombing capabilities.
The elevated position of the fire was presenting significant challenges for ground-based firefighting efforts, necessitating the additional aerial resources.
Weather conditions complicate efforts
Current high temperatures were posing additional threats to firefighting operations, potentially accelerating fire spread and increasing risks to both firefighters and surrounding properties.
The combination of elevated terrain, high temperatures and vegetation conditions requires sustained multi-agency efforts to contain the blaze and protect the Simon’s Town area from potential fire spread.
Emergency services continue monitoring the situation closely while coordinating response efforts across multiple agencies.
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