Cape Town: Fire broke out on Tuesday night in the mountains in Cape Town. The firefighters have battled all night and controlled the fire in the Western Cape.
As per the sources, the strong winds above Murdock Valley are fanning the fire towards Simon’s Town. The Incident Management Team-3 was activated with an incident command post at Simon’s Town Fire Station.
The resources were assigned by the city on the ground that considered 15 fire engines, 7 water tankers and more than 90 city firefighters. Crews from TMNP, NCC and the VWS were also there. No report of property damage has been reported yet.
It is difficult to control fire at the Red Hill and the access to Red Hill Road for the residents has been restricted. The choppers were returned due to the dense smoke. The crews assigned have controlled the fire with water-bombs.
As per the recent update by Fire and Rescue Services Spokesperson-Jermain Carelse, the Disaster Risk Management Centre of the city has set up a mobile JOC in Simon’s Town. Officials are personally assisting the situation. Whereas the DRM volunteers are assigned on the frontline with their skid units.
At this stage, there is no need for evacuations, the fire is approaching properties but firefighters are in the scene to tackle any risks. The staff is actively and closely monitoring the situation.
Reportedly, the officials advise the residents to drop refreshments on the fire line for their own safety. They have also asked the citizens to make donations and drop these at the Simon’s Town Fire Station on Long Beach Road.
An official list of the donation items was released, which includes:
- Energy Drinks
- Energy Sweets
- Water
- Chocolates
- Cold-drinks
- Eyedrops
- Non-perishable items
As per the sources, the teams will remain on site overnight to deal with the fire. The residents of the Happy Valley are currently accommodated in the town hall due to increasing smoke.
Meanwhile, the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa is working on the ground and keeping a check on any animal-related emergencies and evacuations.