FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE RAGING BLAZE IN TOKAI

Noordhoek retirement village evacuated

- THOBEKA NGEMA

FIREFIGHTING efforts continued late into the night to extinguish the blaze that ripped through the mountain in Tokai.

Three separate fires started on Friday afternoon and early evening in the Lower and Upper Tokai areas of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), with two of the fires successfully contained overnight, but the third fire remaining active.

The Noordhoek retirement village was evacuated on Sunday, as over 90 firefighters worked tirelessly across several fronts, including Noordhoek, Steenberg Estate, Ou Kaapse Weg, and Clovelly.

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said four choppers were water bombing the area.

Carelse said more than 100 city firefighters were on scene yesterday, assisted by TMNP, NCC Wildfires and Volunteer Wildfire Services.

"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," Carelse said.

"Currently, the Tokai area is of concern as thick and dry vegetation is aiding the spread of the fire."

Carelse urged the public to stay away from the affected areas.