Fires spark closures on Constantiaberg mountains

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More than 90 firefighters are currently battling an intense wildfire raging across the Constantiaberg mountains, as crews work tirelessly across four key fronts: Noordhoek, Steenberg Estate, Ou Kaapse Weg and Clovelly.

The City of Cape Town has mobilised extensive resources to combat the blaze, deploying 12 major pumper fire engines, five strike teams, and five water tankers.

Officials have warned that the fire poses a serious threat to safety and air quality in the surrounding areas.

As a precautionary measure, the Noordhoek retirement village has been evacuated to protect its residents from the encroaching flames.

Asking for donations

The city has issued a call for public support, asking for donations to sustain the firefighters working under extreme conditions.

The immediate needs for the crews include:

Bottled water
Nutritional drinks such as Energade and Powerade
Energy bars
Saline-based eye drops to alleviate discomfort caused by smoke and ash

Officials emphasised the importance of keeping firefighters hydrated and energised as they face gruelling conditions on the fire lines.

Residents are urged to stay away from affected areas and to monitor official updates for further safety instructions.

Those wishing to assist are encouraged to deliver donations to designated collection points set up by the City.

Those donation points include:

Newlands Fire Base
Hair Gallery – 41 Tokai Road
Pick n Pay Steenberg Village

SPCA on standby

SPCA emergency teams are on standby, ready to move into the fire zone the moment it is safe to search for and rescue animals who may be trapped, injured, and fighting for survival.

Once we can access the area, it will be a race against time to save those we can.

If you need urgent help evacuating pets, please call immediately on 083 326 1604.

Public Safety Notice:

Ou Kaapse Weg is closed in both directions.

All hikers and mountain bikers must avoid Upper Tokai and Silvermine.

Anyone still in Silvermine West (Gate 1) or Silvermine East (Gate 2) must evacuate now.

Ground crews and helicopters are battling this fire with everything they’ve got. We stand ready to do the same – for every animal whose life depends on us.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate to fuel our search and rescue efforts.

Stay clear of closed areas for your own safety.

If you live nearby, place shallow dishes of water outside, with rocks in them so that small animals can safely drink without the risk of drowning.

If you find an injured animal, please call the SPCA urgently on 083 326 1604. If it is safe to do so, contain the animal in a ventilated cardboard box, away from pets and high-traffic areas.