Possible malicious intent said to be behind the three-day Table Mountain fire

Another fire has broke out at Cape Town’s national park, Table Mountain. It’s been three days since wildfires in the Silvermine area started, and authorities are working tirelessly to try and contain the blaze.

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Table Mountain National Parks manager Megan Taplin says preliminary investigations point to malicious intent and that the fire might have been caused intensionally. However, this is yet to be confirmed. “Investigations point to malicious intent that someone intentionally started the fire in three different places on Friday evening. But we will only be able to conclude investigations once the area is safe for us to go in again,” she said. 

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At least 120 firefighters have been on duty to control the fire and four helicopters. Residents have been urged to stay clear of the site. Three separate fires started on Friday afternoon and early evening in the Lower and Upper Tokai areas of TMNP. Two of the fires were successfully contained overnight, but the third fire remains active. City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said, “An Incident Management Team Type 3 has been activated and will work on a 12-hour rotation. This provides greater oversight in managing the incident. Currently, the Tokai area is of concern as thick and dry vegetation is aiding the spread of the fire.”