Animal welfare groups respond to Table Mountain wildfire

Animal welfare organisations are working around the clock to assist wildlife and pets affected by the raging fire, which has affected around 3 000 hectares of vegetation. 

Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham said the SPCA's fire-trained team has been in the field since Sunday morning.

"We've been actively surveying the fire periphery, looking out for animals fleeing the flames. We haven't been able to enter the affected areas as the fire is still active. Our search and rescue efforts will begin in earnest as soon as the authorities give us the green light," she said.

Ms Abraham said the team was also looking for a dachshund, Holly, that had gone missing in the Silvermine area on Sunday.

Holly's owner, Peter Deering said she had gone missing from Gate 1 at Silvermine after they were asked to evacuate the area yesterday.

"She has been spotted twice this morning near the main car park but won't allow herself to be captured," he said, adding that she had a bit of food and there is water at the dam.

Mr Deering said he had helped the SPCA to look for her but had to leave as it was "getting too dangerous".

"Anyone who spots Holly can contact the SPCA immediately. Our thoughts are with her devastated owner," Ms Abraham said.

The Cape Peninsula Civil Conservation (CPCC) chairperson Lynda Silk said with firefighters working tirelessly to protect homes, many wild animals have not been so lucky and countless animals have lost their homes to the fires.

"Wildlife trying to escape have to cross smouldering embers and thick smoke. Many animals are suffering a variety of injuries, stress, exhaustion, thirst, and hunger as they flee the fire. More are expected to move into urban edges seeking safety over the coming days," she said.

Ms Silk said baboons have been accounted for at this time but may have to shift foraging areas and sleep sites, while horses have been moved to safety. She appealed to residents living in areas close to the fire to assist by placing containers of water at the edge of their properties, adding stones or rocks to prevent drowning, and refreshing these containers daily.

She said residents should expect visits from snakes and other wildlife seeking safety and advised them to watch their pets closely and to stay away from fire zones, trust the experts trained to rescue animals, and to avoid handling injured wildlife.

Two members of the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa are also out in the field, according to volunteer Tessa Kruger.

In a statement, SANParks said efforts to contain the wildfire currently burning in the central and south sections of Table Mountain National Park continued overnight, with approximately 250 firefighters from multiple agencies working throughout the night.

While winds were calm during the early evening, it picked up around midnight, requiring intense firefighting activity to manage flare-ups.

Fresh crews were deployed this morning, Monday April 28 to relieve those on the ground, and four helicopters are on standby to resume water-bombing operations as soon as low mist and lingering smoke lift.

The statement, issued at 9am this morning said the fire remains uncontained and is now close to Boyes Drive above St James and Kalk Bay.

The right flank of the fire stretches between Ou Kaapse Weg and Steenberg Peak. Firefighters are continuing to focus on preventing the fire from reaching nearby communities including Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly. So far, no structural damage has been reported.

The City of Cape Town’s spokesperson for Fire and Rescue, Jermaine Carelse, said last night, the fire was creeping down Boyes Drive, Kalk Bay, and Fish Hoek's side, while on the Ou Kaapse Weg side, it moved towards Noordhoek.

The fire started in Tokai on Friday and spread to the far south due to increased winds. Noordhoek Manor Retirement Village had to be evacuated yesterday ("Noordhoek Manor residents evacuated as firefighters battle Freedom Day blaze," Echo, April 27).

The following roads remain closed and residents are asked to use the roads only if absolutely necessary: Main Road and Boyes Drive, Main Road in Lakeside, Main Road and Clairvaux Road, Noordhoek and Ou Kaapse Weg, Steenberg and Tokai Road near the circle and Tokai and Zwaanswyk Road.

Crews are still in need of donations of 500ml bottled water, Energade, Powerade, energy bars and snacks, eye drops, hydration powder, fresh fruit, wet wipes, lip balm, burn shield, milk, tea and coffee, and hot food.

Donations can be dropped off at Fish Hoek civic centre, Newlands Fire Station, Noordhoek community centre and Kommetjie Fire Station. Residents are also advised to make use of online ordering services from local supermarkets to reduce traffic.

Ms Abraham said the SPCA was in need of pet food, Silbecor wound ointment, bandages, blankets, towels, newspapers and water. Donations can be dropped off at their facilities in Grassy Park, on the corner of 1st Avenue and First Road or at the Animal Welfare Society South Africa at Papkuilsvlei Road, Philippi, Forest Drive Veterinary Clinic in Pinelands, Hart Nursery in Ottery and The Pelican in Hout Bay.

If you find an injured animal, call the SPCA at 021 700 4140 or 083 326 1604, or call the Animal Welfare Society South Africa at 021 692 2626.

This is a developing story.