The Simon's Town fire, which broke out on the mountain slopes near the town on Tuesday morning, has been a significant challenge for firefighters and community spirit. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to keep the fire away from residential properties, ensuring the safety of residents and animals. The fire broke out on the mountain slopes near the town on Tuesday morning and flared up again in the afternoon above Runciman Drive and Murdock Valley. On Wednesday evening, the water-bombing helicopters were grounded for the night.
Active firefighting efforts are ongoing in Miller’s Point and Castle Rock, with several resources positioned along certain roads where possible flare-ups may occur. No residential property has been damaged, apart from a derelict building. The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, stated that the wind has again subsided, giving ground crews valuable time to make inroads along the extended fireline.
Residents praised the firefighters’ efforts, as they were assured that the fire wouldn’t get to them. Shelton Radebe, a resident at Happy Valley Home Shelter in Simon’s Town, said that the main concern of people at the shelter was the smoke, as there were high chances of suffocation due to smoke inhalation. Most people staying at the shelter were moved to the town hall, where they stayed for hours until the smoke died down.
The Simon’s Town Business Association managed to acquire and package food for 1,000 people, firefighters, and those helping with the fire. Firefighters had been out on the mountain since Tuesday, working in shifts, and the food made a difference, according to Dane Cherry, a resident of Glencairn Heights and a member of the Simon’s Town Business Association.
Linda McRae-Samuel, a resident of Simon’s Town, said that she heard about the fire on her WhatsApp group and was kept updated. Stuart Foster, another resident, was on the mountain until the early hours of the morning helping to put the fire out. He was impressed with the community spirit and the interaction between the firemen and local inhabitants working together.
Morgan Will, who works at Cape Medical Response, helped rescue rabbits that were kept inside a shed near the fire. The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa rescued 10 rabbits and four dogs on Tuesday, and 300 chickens and 40 goats were rounded up in areas close to the flames. Unfortunately, a baby springbok was not able to be rescued, as it ran into the flames out of fear.
