Motorists travelling on the R27 (from Big Bay Boulevard heading towards Melkbos) had to find alternative routes during the peak hour last Wednesday after a field fire broke out.
While the blaze posed minimal harm to nearby properties and individuals, its sudden eruption prompted a swift and coordinated response from City emergency services.
Firefighters swiftly contained the flames and about 11 fire trucks were on the scene and more were being dispatched, said Laura Outhet, Table View Neighbourhood Watch media liaison.
She warned and updated residents in Sunningdale, West Beach, Parklands, Table View, Flamingo Vlei and Bloubergstrand via social media. She also asked the community to assist the firefighters with sandwiches and water.
“So many deliveries and donations of food, energy drinks and everything came in. Flames are very high and firefighters are on scene. Fire contained and under control, crews monitoring hot spots for flare ups.”
The fire crews were still on scene the next day, monitoring hot spots and flare-ups.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) recently warned residents of extremely uncomfortable hot weather and dangerous fire conditions.
1 000 fires
The City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services have faced the mammoth task of battling more than 1 000 fires in less than 10 days in the city, adding to the 1 500 fires in the first two weeks of December.
The fire service was summoned to address substantial vegetation fires in Melkbosstrand during the festive period. Numerous informal structural fires were also reported. Vegetation fires accounted for 65% of callouts.
Amidst flare-ups and knee-deep hot ash on the mountain terrain, animals, including pigs, tortoises, cats, and dogs, were collected for treatment.
