Firefighters battle raging wildfire as smoke forces closure of Tafelberg Road near Table Mountain

If you were planning a scenic trip up Table Mountain today, you’ll need to put those plans on hold. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (TMAC) has halted operations on Wednesday, February 26, after the fire department shut down Tafelberg Road due to heavy smoke in the area.

TMAC shared an update on Facebook, informing visitors of the unexpected closure:

“Due to smoke in and around the area, the fire department has closed Tafelberg Road. As a result, we are not operational today until further notice. We’ll provide updates as soon as we have more information. Stay safe and thank you for your understanding.”

Firefighters Battle Worsening Blaze

Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the escalating wildfires in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). A shift in wind conditions overnight intensified the fire at Newlands Ravine, pushing the flames dangerously close to Tafelberg Road and Vredehoek.

In response to the growing threat, aerial firefighting teams were deployed at first light, prioritizing the City Bowl and Red Hill areas.

All Hands on Deck for Firefighting Efforts

A massive effort is underway to tackle the blaze, with multiple firefighting units joining forces. Teams from TMNP Fire Management, NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Provincial Disaster Management, Enviro Wildfire Services, and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services have been dispatched to various fire-affected areas.

Meanwhile, the fire at Red Hill remains active, steadily burning southward toward Ocean View and Kommetjie.

Trail and Road Closures for Public Safety

To ensure public safety, authorities have closed off several areas until further notice:

• Front Table trails: From Platteklip Gorge to Newlands, including Maclear’s Beacon.
• Tafelberg Road: Completely shut down to the public.
• Kirstenbosch and Rhodes Memorial Estate: Fire lines remain active near Kirstenbosch, and Newlands Forest is closed.
• Red Hill trails: Access from Red Hill, Slangkop, Ocean View, Jonkersdam, and Kleinplaas Dam is restricted.

Hikers Ignoring Safety Warnings

Despite the clear danger, some hikers have defied safety warnings and entered fire-affected areas. Authorities are urging the public to strictly adhere to trail closures to avoid unnecessary risks.

Stay Updated on the Situation

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. If you’re in the area, please follow all safety advisories and avoid restricted zones.