CAPE TOWN – Emergency crews are battling a rapidly spreading fire in Dunoon near Table View after multiple informal structures caught alight shortly after 10:25 this morning (Friday 9 January).
According to the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse, the first arriving officer immediately requested additional resources due to the scale and intensity of the fire.
Strong winds complicate firefighting efforts
Carelse said a total of 12 fire engines and water tankers are currently on scene, with firefighting operations being coordinated by an Incident Management Team (IMT) Type 4.
“The strong winds and fuel load are presenting a challenge to firefighting efforts,” Carelse said.
Fire crews are working to prevent the fire from spreading further, with conditions remaining volatile as wind continues to fan the flames.
Table View Neighbourhood Watch has urged motorists and residents to remain alert following reports of structures alight in Dunoon.
Potsdam Road has been closed to traffic, and road users are advised to move aside for emergency vehicles and make use of alternative routes where possible to avoid congestion and ensure unhindered access for firefighting crews.
Situation remains fluid
Emergency services confirmed that the situation is still developing, and further updates will be issued as more information becomes available.
Residents in the area have been urged to remain vigilant and to follow any instructions issued by emergency personnel on the ground.
Safe house threatened
Amid the unfolding emergency, an urgent appeal has been issued by Little Brinks, a safe house that supports abused and abandoned children, as well as vulnerable mothers, after two of its homes were threatened by the fire.
According to Shan Hoffman of Little Brinks, the fire placed women and children in immediate danger, particularly two mothers who are currently ill and unable to be exposed to heavy smoke and ash.
Little Brinks, a long-standing community organisation, provides emergency shelter for children removed from unsafe environments, runs soup kitchens, supports foster families, and assists young women through initiatives such as a matric dance dress programme.
The organisation has appealed for urgent financial assistance to secure temporary accommodation for the affected families to ensure their immediate safety.
The public who are able to assist have been urged to contact Shan Hoffman on 079 788 0944.
Multiple blazes
Firefighters are currently battling multiple active fires across the Western and Eastern Cape.
ALSO READ: Western Cape spends R15m on aerial firefighting as fire season intensifies
In the Overberg region, two major fires are burning in Stanford and Pearly Beach. The Pearly Beach fire has spread as far as Stanford. Various roads have been closed, including:
- R326 closed at Van Brakel Stoor towards Stanford;
- R43 closed at Stanford Circle and De Kelders;
- R43 closed at Voëlklip Circle and 17th Avenue.
The City of Cape Town has meanwhile sent support following the Overstrand Municipality declaring a “‘Code-Red”, meaning they’ve deployed all their firefighting resources and are seeking additional support”, Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith wrote on Facebook on Thursday. This includes 27 firefighters, a major pumper (capable of pumping 3,800l/minute), 2 state-of-the-art water tankers with foam capacity and a Bush Tender 4×4 all-terrain appliance, for inaccessible areas.
Fires reported in Greyton and Grabouw yesterday were brought under control, but thick smoke was still hanging over the Grabouw area this morning.
In the Cape Winelands the fire in Langrug, Franschhoek, was still out of control on Friday morning while the fire reported yesterday in Stormsvlei continues to burn, with an active fire line of approximately 2 km.
In Mossel Bay the wildfires near Hartenbos Heuwels, Sonskynvallei, Num Num and Renosterbos have been brought under control after firefighters worked throughout the night.
In the Eastern Cape raging and uncontrolled fires across several areas of the Kouga Local Municipality have prompted urgent evacuation orders, road closures, and emergency warnings. On Friday morning three major fires were active, including one in the Koukamma area, another between St Francis Bay and Paradise Beach, and a third between Kabeljous and Jeffreys Bay. Gift of the Givers teams have been deployed to the Kouga District following a request from the municipality to assist.
ALSO READ: Gift of the Givers deploy emergency team as multiple fires rage across Kouga
