WATCH: Firefighters continue to battle Cape Town fires
Residents have been asked to be cautious.
The Table Mountain National Park urged all hikers within the Newlands and Rhodes Memorial area to evacuate with immediate effect on Sunday. Picture: @JHMOpperman/Twitter.
At least four firefighters have been injured while battling a runaway veld fire in Cape Town that started on Sunday morning.
While the cause of the fire was still unclear, several structures including parts of the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and a library at the University of Cape Town (UCT) have been destroyed, according to the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management.
ALSO READ: Hikers evacuated after Rhodes Memorial restaurant fire
The fire spreaded to UCT’s upper and middle campus prompting the evacuation of all students.
“Yesterday, the city assisted approximately 3,000 UCT students that were living on the campus and also in the roadside area to evacuate as a precautionary measure,” said Charlotte Powell, the spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management.
“The firefighting team has been out all night trying to prevent this [properties from catching fire]and I’ve just confirmed earlier this morning [Monday] with the firefighting team at this stage there is no property in danger, however, the fire is still not under control”.
Residents in two streets in Vredehoek have also been evacuated as a precautionary measure and there is currently no danger to property.
Residents have been asked to be cautious.
“Close all windows and doors to prevent drafts and reduce heat. Should there be an immediate threat to your property, damp down your garden using a hose or irrigation system,” Powell said.
The non-profit organisation, Gift of the Givers, donated food and beverage items to UCT students affected by the fire at various accomadation sites after they were evacuated.
Seen: Our team transporting the next load of hot meals to Groote Schuur residences as the students arrive in buses.
Students require essential items such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste.#MakeADifference #ForTheGreaterGood #DisasterResponse #CapeTownFires #UCTFire pic.twitter.com/xA6BeTeejW
— Gift of the Givers (@GiftoftheGivers) April 19, 2021
Meanwhile, on Sunday the Table Mountain National Park urged all hikers within the Newlands and Rhodes Memorial area to evacuate with immediate effect.
#CapeTownFire #CapeTownFires #CapeTown
Upper Vredehoek, Deer Park & Oranjezicht on high alert. Residents on the edge of the reserve have been evacuated since 4am this morning. pic.twitter.com/1KKYxcDE02— Ian Gordon (@ifgordon) April 19, 2021
The south-easter ???????????? fueling the #CapeTownFire this morning. ????????
Wishing all your law enforcement and #FireFighters the best of luck. #CapeTownFires pic.twitter.com/oKsunNSgVD
— Ricardo Mackenzie (@ricardomackenzi) April 19, 2021
The wind started blowing last night and continues ???? Seeing how far the fire has spread now this morning. #CapeTown #CapeTownFires pic.twitter.com/W26SwBDP1N
— Nomvuyo Treffers (@Nomvuyo_SA) April 19, 2021
WATCH | Firefighters battling the blaze.#CapeTownFires pic.twitter.com/URoc4FnQIJ
— Anastasi Boitumelo ❤️❤️ (@Anastasi_Boity) April 19, 2021
Additional reporting by News24.
