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WATCH | Kalk Bay blaze: One house destroyed, but fire now 'largely contained'

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A fire which broke out at Trappieskop, Kalk Bay, on Monday has "largely been contained", the City of Cape Town has confirmed.

One house was razed as firefighters battled the blaze. 

Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said aerial support continued to add much needed assistance to the ground teams.

By 20:00, active firefighting was still ongoing.

The aftermath of Monday's blaze. (Photo: Marvin Ch
The aftermath of Monday's blaze.

South African National Parks (SANParks) said it received reports about the blaze at 14:20, which spread towards St James and Boyes Drive, due to "unusually hot winds". 

By nightfall, SANParks spokesperson Lauren Clayton said firefighting crews and aerial support remained on the scene to conduct mop-up operations.

"The area is still very volatile," she said.

The City of Cape Town deployed four helicopters and a spotter plane to extinguish the flames. 

Responders also cordoned off traffic on Boyes Drive. 

READ | Western Cape Government increases its budget for wildfires from R16 million to R19 million

Firefighting efforts were driven by crews from Table Mountain National Park, NCC Environmental Services contractors, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Working on Fire and the Volunteer Wildfire Services, SANParks said.

Carelse said the fire destroyed one unoccupied house.

"No persons have been evacuated from their homes as crews are strategically placed to cover the residential area," he said.

"Motorists should be cautious as the smoke may impede their visibility. Boyes Drive, Main and Clairvaux [roads are closed]. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternate routes," Carelse said. 

Firefighters are battling a blaze in Trappieskop in Kalk Bay.
fire
Firefighters are battling a blaze in Trappieskop in Kalk Bay.

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