Cape Town – A suspect has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with the fire around the Platteklip Gorge at Table Mountain National Park.
The suspect is expected to be in court tomorrow, Tuesday, (31 December 2024).
RELATED: SANParks Battles Fire On Table Mountain, Visitors Warned To Avoid The Area – The Bulrushes
SANParks on Monday, (30 December 2024), said the fire was now largely contained by yesterday though there were flare-ups during the night.
“Approximately nine hectares of land were burnt before containment,”‘ said SANParks.
“Importantly, there has been no injuries or damage to property reported other than a firefighter who was airlifted yesterday.
“We are busy with crew rotation teams from SANParks, Provincial Disaster Management Centre, and Working on Fire that will be on the fire line for at least another 24 hours.”
SANParks said aerial support was on standby but has not been deployed today based on an assessment of the limited severity of the fire.
“The Aerial Cable Way is open but we request the public to respect the closure of Platteklip Hiking Trail as there is still a risk of flare-ups with the prevailing wind from the North East,” SANParks said.
Meanwhile, SANParks has appealed to public members celebrating New Year’s Eve at locations near or by Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and has warned them not to set off fireworks along the park, especially around Signal Hill and Tafelberg roads.
“The fynbos ecology at TMNP is prone to fires that can spark uncontrolled wildfires in the park. This means fireworks could cause fire due to its nature when ignited,” warned SANParks.
