In its latest update this morning (May 2), SANParks said the Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), caused by a lightning strike due to inclement weather conditions on Saturday (April 27), was largely contained. The fire has burnt approximately 283ha of veld.

Light rain and mist over the past few days have helped contain the fire's spread on the Back Table, but isolated hot spots, smouldering stumps, as well as falling trees and rockfalls, remain a concern.

Following an assessment conducted by TMNP's conservation and fire management teams, hiking trails along Constantia Nek and Newlands, as well as trails along the Back Table between Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Orangekloof, have been reopened.

However, Skeleton Gorge and the contour path between Fernwood and Cecilia Forest remain closed.

“Berg-like wind conditions are currently being experienced in the northern sections of the park, therefore, we ask hikers to be very vigilant and move to safe areas if they see or smell smoke while hiking. The priority remains the safety of residents, hikers, and firefighters,” SANParks said.

SANParks has 40 firefighters from NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Working on Fire, who are actively engaged in various areas along the fire line throughout the day concluding mop-up operations.