Table Mountain Fire Contained
By Lerato Mpembe
A fire that broke out on the front face of Table Mountain on Sunday afternoon has been contained. Law enforcement officials and SA National Parks mountain rangers arrested one person on arson charges. 
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect is currently in police custody. Smith praised the swift collaboration between SANParks rangers and the city’s law enforcement officers in apprehending the individual.
“During the search, officers discovered a suspect crouched in the undergrowth along the roadway. Acting decisively, the officers tactically apprehended the individual and called for backup to secure the detention,” Smith said.
The fire, which ignited along the front face of Table Mountain, was rapidly addressed by firefighting teams. Aerial resources were deployed to water bomb the area, and ground crews from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), and NCC Environmental Services worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.
Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse reported that the swift action of the combined teams prevented the fire from spreading to nearby residential areas. “The swift action of not only city firefighters but also crews from TMNP and NCC prevented the fire from moving over to the Camps Bay side of the mountain. All people on the mountain were safely evacuated by cable car and via Platteklip Gorge,” Carelse said. 
This incident adds to a series of fires that have affected Table Mountain in recent months. Between 1 November 2023 and 8 December 2023, TMNP responded to 34 fire incidents, with a notable concentration in the Signal Hill area. 
The City of Cape Town continues to urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could lead to wildfires. The public is reminded that starting open fires without proper authority is illegal and poses a significant threat to the environment and public safety.
As the festive season continues, authorities have increased patrols and monitoring efforts to prevent further incidents. The public’s cooperation is essential in preserving the natural heritage of Table Mountain and ensuring the safety of all who enjoy its beauty.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to the fire. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the blaze and whether there are any connections to previous fire incidents in the area.
The City of Cape Town and SANParks have expressed their gratitude to the firefighting teams and law enforcement officers for their prompt response and dedication to protecting one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks.
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