Over the weekend of April 25–27, 2025, multiple wildfires erupted across the Constantia Nek and Upper Tokai regions of Cape Town, prompting extensive firefighting operations and raising concerns about potential arson.
The initial Cape Town fire was reported on Friday evening in Upper Tokai, with subsequent fires igniting along the Constantiaberg and near the Constantia Nek hiking trail. Emergency services, including the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Fire Management Department, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, were swiftly deployed to contain the fires.
By Sunday morning, two of the fires had been successfully contained. However, a third fire continued to threaten the Elephant’s Eye trail area and the surrounding Gym Thickets. Aerial firefighting operations commenced at first light, with helicopters conducting water drops to assist ground crews in suppressing the flames.
Authorities have indicated that the fires may have been deliberately started. SANParks spokesperson JP Louw stated that a thermal drone was deployed to identify remaining hotspots and to investigate the cause of the fire. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the incidents, and residents are urged to report any suspicious activities to the emergency number 0861 106 417.
As a precautionary measure, around 200 households, including residents of frail care facilities in Noordhoek, were evacuated due to the advancing flames. SANParks has closed all hiking trails in the affected areas, including the popular Elephant’s Eye footpath, and visitors are strongly advised to avoid these zones until further notice.
Fire crews remained on-site throughout the night to monitor and contain flare-ups. By Sunday evening, the fire along the Constantia Nek hiking trail had been successfully contained, and the area was reopened to hikers with permits. However, SANParks cautioned that firefighting crews and vehicles are still present, and visitors should exercise caution.
The firefighting efforts have been bolstered by the dedication of various organizations and volunteers. VWS expressed gratitude to all crews that responded to the Constantia Nek fire, highlighting the collaborative spirit in combating the wildfires.
Cape Town – well the Deep South- is currently in flames. Here’s what’s happening.
📆27.04.2025
📽️: X | Ward 71 | City of CT🚒👩🏽🚒To assist local firefighters: Please drop donations at the Newlands Fire Base #SouthAfricanNews #CapeTownFire #TokaiFire #NewlandsForest pic.twitter.com/ZiwZVpgCxi
— Bella Monsoon (@bella_monsoon) April 27, 2025
Residents have been commended for their cooperation during evacuations and for adhering to safety advisories. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to respond to any new developments.
While significant progress has been made in containing the fires, authorities emphasize the importance of continued vigilance. The public is requested to remain alert and report any signs of smoke or fire to the SANParks emergency number 086 110 6417 to enable a swift response.
As Cape Town enters the dry season, the risk of wildfires remains high. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution, adhere to fire safety regulations, and support efforts to protect the region’s natural heritage.
