Fire crews tackle flare-ups along Glencairn Expressway

Fire crews remain on the ground this morning, tackling flare-ups from the vegetation fire that broke out along the Glencairn Expressway on Wednesday, October 16.

According to an update shared by the Capri Neighbourhood Watch at 9.30am on Thursday, teams are “still on the ground dealing with hot spots and flare-ups.”

The group said a spotter plane was already in the air above Capri and a helicopter was being prepared to assist with what remains of the blaze.

City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that the fire is still not contained.

“This is an ongoing incident, and the fire is not yet under control,” he said.

“No properties, infrastructure or vehicles have been damaged, and no injuries have been reported. Several crews remain on site monitoring the area for flare-ups or hotspots.”

Mr Carelse added that the landowner will likely launch an investigation into the cause of the fire.

The blaze began at around 12.45pm on Wednesday, when the City’s Fire and Rescue Service received reports of vegetation burning along the Glencairn Expressway.

Strong south-easterly winds fanned the flames across large sections of the mountain slopes.

The City’s Incident Management Team was activated to coordinate operations, with firefighters from the City of Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park, and NCC Environmental Services responding.

However, much of the fire was high up the mountain, making it inaccessible to ground crews.