Residents were evacuated from their homes on Wednesday morning as firefighters continue to battle the fires on Table Mountain in Cape Town, Disaster Management services said.

Spokesperson Greg Pillay said people from University Estate, Walmer Estate, Urban Edge of De Waal Drive, The Towers and Vredehoek were requested to leave their homes for safety.

“Approximately 60 evacuees are currently being accommodated at the Good Hope Centre where medical crews are on standby.”

“At this stage no property has been damaged and the fire crews are battling to bring the fire under control as a result of strong wind conditions,” he said.

Pillay added that the fire first started in the vicinity of Rhodes Memorial.

“Strong winds resulted in the fire spreading rapidly around the mountain to Vredehoek.”

“Fire & Rescue Services deployed 29 fire engines, 90 firefighters who are being assisted by 45 fire-fighters from the South African National Parks and volunteers of Disaster Management,” he said.

According to Disaster Management two helicopters are also on standby to assist with aerial support at first light.

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