Pretoria – The City of Cape Town is still battling a raging veld fire that started in the early hours of Sunday.
The fire is causing havoc in areas including Hout Bay, Tokai and Fish Hoek.
Hundreds of fire fighters have been battling the blaze and dozens more arrived on Chapman’s Peak Drive on Monday afternoon.
In addition, assistance had been sought from fire fighters from Working on Fire, who are expected to make their way to Cape Town from around the country to help put out the blaze.
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the focus of the fire fighting efforts is now on the protection of property.
“We are doing everything in our power to put out the fire,” he said.
The fire is being fanned by strong winds, which caused it to spread as far as Muizenberg, Noordhoek and Sun Valley.
Smith said one member of the city’s Fire and Rescue Service sustained burn wounds and was transported to hospital, while at least 52 residents at the Noordhoek Manor Retirement Village were treated for smoke inhalation.
At least 10 private homes, an old-age home and a retirement village have been evacuated in Noordhoek.
Three mass care centres have been set up to accommodate those who have been displaced at the Dutch Reformed Church in Kommetjie Road, Fish Hoek; the Dutch Reformed campsite in Noordhoek and Fish Hoek Community Hall.
Chapman’s Peak Drive remains closed, while Boyes Drive is partially closed between Old Boyes Drive and the golf course. Ou Kaapse Weg also remains closed due to poor visibility.
More than 250 fire fighters are currently on the scene. Other resources dispatched include 28 fire fighting vehicles, 18 support vehicles, four helicopters, two fixed-wing aircrafts from Working on Fire, a spotter plane and 50 Working on Fire ground crew.
The City of Cape Town has advised members of the public to hose down thatched roofs, keep all windows closed and to call the City of Cape Town’s 107 public emergency call centre in the event of an emergency.
The number to dial is 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone. – SAnews.gov.za
