Mop-up operations are ongoing at the Table Mountain National Park following this weekend’s fire. However, the public has been urged to avoid the surrounding trails until further notice.
This comes as a religious group was charged with a fine for illegally starting fires. Following investigations, the group was removed from the area.
Several fire services had to be mobilised to battle the fire, which was driven by strong winds. South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson JP Louw told SABC News that a volunteer Wildfire Services firefighter had to receive medical assistance for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, there was no damage to property reported following the blaze at Table Mountain.
FIRES STRICTLY PROHIBITED AT TABLE MOUNTAIN
SANParks says starting or causing fires is strictly prohibited at their sites, such as Table Mountain and will result in a summons being issued. The organisation also attributes fires to human action caused by firecrackers, flares, cigarettes and braai coal. However, lightning and other natural processes can also set blazes.
In April, over 3,000 hectares of mountainside vegetation were destroyed by a fire on Table Mountain. As a result, SANParks teams had to be assisted with four helicopters that deployed to water bomb hotspots.
SHOULD STRICTER PENALTIES BE ENFORCED ON THOSE WHO START ILLEGAL FIRES IN PROTECTED AREAS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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