Cheers to the champions who worked around the clock to contain the wildfire near Camps Bay.
Cape Town, South Africa (23 September 2025) – While most of us were sleeping, nearly 90 firefighters were on the mountainside fighting back flames in Camps Bay. The wildfire, which broke out near the Pipe Track on Monday afternoon, tore through about 25 hectares of vegetation before crews managed to get it under control.
And if you’ve ever wondered why we call firefighters heroes, this is exactly why. Fighting a mountain fire is no easy feat. It’s hours of hard, dangerous work. It’s hauling heavy hoses uphill, digging fire breaks, and standing in the heat long after the sun has set, in smoke-filled conditions.
Heroes came from all corners to contain the blaze – SANParks, NCC Wildfire Services, the City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Working on Fire. Together, they managed to stop the fire from spreading further into Table Mountain National Park and nearby communities, authorities confirmed on Tuesday morning.
The work isn’t over just yet. Today, about 50 firefighters are still on the ground keeping an eye on hotspots that could flare up again, while thermal drones scan the area for heat pockets.
We don’t always see what it takes to keep Cape Town safe during fire season, but it’s nights like these that remind us. Firefighters trade rest for risk to make sure that entire communities wake up safe.
Thank you to the crews who protected the Mother City this week.
Donations of food, water and energy drinks to support firefighters and ground crew are always encouraged. If you’d like to contribute, drop offs can be made at the Newlands Fire Base.
For public safety, Table Mountain National Park has confirmed that the below trails and access points will be closed until further notice:
- Footpaths and Jeep Tracks to Camps Bay
- Pipe Track
- Theresa Avenue and Geneva Avenue
- All footpaths accessing Camps Bay from Back Table and Apostle Battery
- Trails above the Twelve Apostles
The Western Cape is also in for uncomfortable heat conditions over the coming days. The park urges all visitors to take the following extra precautions:
- Carry sufficient water
- Wear light, breathable clothing
- Use sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Avoid hiking during peak heat hours (11am – 3pm)
- Let someone know your route and estimated return time
- Stick to designated trails
- Stay alert to any signs of smoke or fire
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