More than 100 firefighters are battling two blazes on Table Mountain in Cape Town. Authorities are starting to contain the fires, which have been active since at least Sunday. The situation is not endangering an ongoing G20 meeting, and no injuries have been reported. Firefighters will remain on site overnight due to potential wind changes.
Over 100 firefighters are currently engaged in combating two fires on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. The South African National Parks authority reported that they are making significant progress in containing the blazes, which had posed a risk of spreading toward the city. These efforts involve 115 firefighters supported by four helicopters and two planes.
The fires have been active since at least Sunday, coinciding with a gathering of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 nations in Cape Town, which is expected to conclude Thursday. Fortunately, there have been no immediate threats to the safety of the event.
Fires in the Table Mountain region are a recurring issue during Cape Town’s hot and dry summer months, typically from December to April, often exacerbated by strong coastal winds. Previous incidents, such as the severe fire in 2021, caused extensive damage to historical buildings and prompted evacuations.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported in the current incidents. Firefighters will continue their operations into the night, as shifts in wind could reignite the fires.
The ongoing firefighting efforts on Table Mountain are crucial to preventing further damage to the area and the city of Cape Town. With over 100 personnel involved and significant progress reported, authorities remain vigilant. The fires pose a typical seasonal risk, and it is fortunate that no injuries have been reported thus far.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
