Working On Fire
The University of Cape Town library went up in flames on Sunday as Western Cape firefighters battled to contain a vegetation fire above Philip Skosana Drive.
Authorities were forced to close sections of the M3, while hikers were ordered to evacuate Newlands and Rhodes Memorial areas.
The City of Cape Town said fire crews were immediately dispatched to the scene after the City’s Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at about 8.45 am to the fire.
The University of Cape Town also evacuated the campus as the fire reached the university library, destroying valuable and historic material.
The Western Cape Local Government Ministry said the City of Cape Town was working with UCT in coordinating alternate accommodation for affected students.
“Anton Bredell, the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says provincial disaster management continues to monitor the ongoing fire and supports the City of Cape Town and its partners.
He said four helicopters continue to waterbomb the firelines and teams from the City of Cape Town, Working On Fire and SANParks, continue to work non-stop to bring the fire under control.
Bredell confirmed that the fire jumped the M3 and caused some damage to the infrastructure, including destroying the historic Mostert’s Mill.
“Full damage reports remain a work in progress with the priority currently being the active firefighting efforts,” Bredell said.
