Table Mountain fire: Historic buildings destroyed in Cape Town

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Table Mountain fire: Historic buildings destroyed in Cape Town

8:54 CAT | 19 Apr 2021

A helicopter drops water as the library at the University of Cape Town burns after a bushfire broke out on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa April 18, 2021. [Reuters]

A wildfire on the slopes of South Africa’s Table Mountain has spread to the nearby University of Cape Town campus, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of students, officials say.

The blaze spread quickly after breaking out on Sunday morning near a memorial to politician Cecil Rhodes. A restaurant was destroyed.

The university’s historic library and other buildings were also affected.

Four helicopters are water-bombing the flames.

South African National Parks said firefighters were alerted at 09:00 local time (07:00 GMT). The flames spread quickly because of the low humidity and dry bush.

The fire created its own wind further increasing the rate of spread, it added, estimating that firefighters would need at least three days to control the blaze.

“After the initial investigation, it is surmised that the origin of the fire is from a vacated vagrant fire,” it said.

Tmfffit — *More than 120 firefighters have been deployed to the area*

Tmff — *The fire partially destroyed the University of Cape Town’s Jagger Library and the historic Mostert’s Mill. Other buildings were also affected.*

“All UCT students have been evacuated from campus by emergency services support staff,” the university said on Twitter.

Tmf5 — The Jagger Library was partially destroyed by the fire

Tmf3 — The historic Mostert’s Mill is seen in ruins after the blaze

Residents in the area have been warned of smoke and soot in the air, and told to keep windows and doors closed.

Meanwhile hikers in the Table Mountain National Park have been urged to leave and drivers who have parked in the area have been told to collect their vehicles.