Arson suspected as large fires devastate South Africa's Table Mountain

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Large fires have recently ravaged the slopes of Table Mountain, with the fires starting on Friday and intensifying over the weekend. Helicopters were deployed on Tuesday to drop water onto the flames as firefighters battled the blazes that have consumed approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation. The Table Mountain National Park has reported that it believes these fires were started deliberately, leading to an investigation by the police into potential arson. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement has arrested one individual on suspicion of starting the fires. Fire crews have been responding to the fires with significant resources, comprising around 250 firefighters. The city of Cape Town has indicated that while the fires are partly under control, there remains a high level of concern about possible flare-ups, especially given that wildfires in the region can be exacerbated by strong coastal winds. JP Smith, a city official, reported that there were no injuries, nor were any private residences damaged; however, four vehicles and a motorcycle did suffer destruction, and additional vehicles were damaged. Authorities took preventative measures by closing certain roads and hiking trails. Almost 200 residents, particularly those in nursing homes, were evacuated on Sunday due to safety concerns, but they have since been allowed to return. The months spanning from November to April are known for being particularly dry and hot in this area, which makes it prone to wildfires, a fact that has been witnessed in past incidents. The previous major fire affecting Table Mountain occurred back in February. Fire crews used advanced technology, including thermal imaging drones, to track the movement of the fires. Despite the challenging circumstances and rapid spreading of the flames, the efficient and swift response from both the firefighting teams and local authorities highlights the community’s commitment to controlling the situation and protecting lives. With ongoing investigations into the cause and continued monitoring for flare-ups, the situation remains a critical concern for local residents and officials.