Multiple firefighting teams from SANParks, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), and the City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue were tending to a fire that broke out above Boyes Drive on Sunday morning.

Spokesperson for City Fire and Rescue Service, Jermaine Carelse, said that they received an emergency call at 8.30am on Sunday informing them of mountain slopes being alight above Boyes Drive.

“Several resources were dispatched to the scene as well as the IMT type 4 to co-ordinate operational functions. The right flank was quickly secured, however, the concern is the left flank, which is slowly spreading towards Kalk Bay.

“We are being assisted by TMNP and Volunteer Wildfire Services in our efforts to get the fire under control,” Carelse said. “At this stage, we cannot give a definitive answer as to how long it will take to extinguish the blaze.”

SANParks said that all available resources are being deployed in active suppression efforts, with a primary focus on keeping the fire above Boyes Drive.

“As of now, the fire is approximately 90% contained. Boyes Drive is closed to the public until further notice to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting operations.”

Volunteer Wildfire Services said that as flames spread towards St James, residents and visitors have been cautioned to steer clear of the area as containment efforts intensify.

“Emergency services are currently at the scene, mobilising multiple resources to combat the blaze that threatens to extend along the verdant hillsides surrounding this popular route.”

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za

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