Cape Town – The Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), caused by a lightning strike due to inclement weather conditions on Sunday, April 28, 2024, is largely contained.
South African National Parks (SANParks) on Thursday, (2 May 2024), said the fire burnt approximately 283 hectares of veld.
“Light rain and mist over the past few days have helped contain the fire’s spread on the Back Table, but isolated hot spots, smoldering stumps, as well as falling trees and rockfalls, remain a concern,” said SANParks.
“Following an assessment conducted by TMNP’s conservation and fire management teams, hiking trails along Constantia Nek and Newlands, as well as trails along the Back Table between Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Orangekloof, have been reopened.
“However, Skeleton Gorge and the contour path between Fernwood and Cecilia Forest remain closed.”
SANParks said Berg-like wind conditions were being experienced in the northern sections of the park.
“Therefore, we ask hikers to be very vigilant and move to safe areas if they see or smell smoke while hiking,” SANParks said.
“The priority remains the safety of residents, hikers, and firefighters.”
SANParks has 40 firefighters from NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Working on Fire who are actively engaged in various areas along the fireline throughout the day, concluding mop-up operations.
In case of emergencies or sightings of new fires, please contact 086 110 6417 or the Newlands Dispatch at 021 689 7438.
