Authorities have successfully contained the wildfire that broke out in Table Mountain National Park on Sunday, 23 February 2025, and spread across key hiking areas.
Table Mountain fire contained, SANParks confirms
The fire, which started in Newlands Ravine, later spread towards Tafelberg Road and Devil’s Peak due to strong winds on Tuesday night.
South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed on Wednesday morning that firefighters had managed to suppress the flames, including in previously inaccessible areas.
The fire destroyed approximately 139 hectares between Newlands Ravine and Tafelberg Road, while an additional 640 hectares burned in Redhill to Kommetjie.
Fire suppression teams remain on the ground to prevent flare-ups, while the City of Cape Town has ordered SANParks to open an arson case after evidence suggested some of the fires may have been deliberately started.
JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, stated:
“The visual evidence we received was startling. The fire had been started directly alongside a deserted road, and just minutes later, no person was in sight. This raises serious concerns.”
He further revealed that while firefighting teams were tackling the Table Mountain blaze, additional fires were reported along the Black River Parkway, increasing suspicions of a coordinated arson attack.
The City has ordered SANParks to open a criminal case and conduct a forensic investigation into the origins of the fires.
These hiking trails have been reopened
With the fire now contained, some trails in Table Mountain National Park have been reopened, while others remain closed as a precaution. SANParks has issued the following updates:
Reopened Hiking Trails
- Platteklip Gorge Trail
- Kloof Corner Trail
Trails and Roads That Remain Closed
- Maclear’s Beacon and Devil’s Peak to Newlands
- Tafelberg Road (from Platteklip parking towards Devil’s Peak)
- Newlands Forest trails, including Rhodes Memorial and Blockhouse
- Red Hill trails (Slangkop, Ocean View, Jonkersdam, Kleinplaas Dam)
Hikers and visitors are urged to avoid closed areas, as fire-damaged sections pose risks due to weakened trees, smouldering embers, and unstable terrain.
SANParks and Cape Town emergency services have expressed gratitude to firefighters, volunteers, and members of the public who donated supplies during the crisis. Many of the firefighters worked 24-hour shifts under extreme conditions.
Fire crews remain on high alert in case of flare-ups as weather conditions remain unpredictable.
Residents and hikers are advised to stay informed through official SANParks updates.
