Table Mountain fire 'burns out of control' in Cape Town

2021-04-18 21:23:06

A wildfire is raging out of control on the slopes of Table Mountain above the city of Cape Town, South African authorities say. The blaze has destroyed part of a cafe at the Rhodes Memorial overlooking the city's port. It has also burned the historic library at the nearby University of Cape Town, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of students. Helicopters are water-bombing the flames. Firefighters were first alerted at 08:45 local time (06:45 GMT). Local environment chief Anton Bredell said the situation was serious and the wind was picking up, which he said was a cause for concern. Residents in the area have been warned of smoke and soot in the air, and told to keep windows and doors closed. Meanwhile hikers in the Table Mountain National Park have been urged to leave and drivers who have parked in the area have been told to collect their vehicles. People who were in the area and city residents have been uploading footage of the blaze.