Table Mountain & UCT fire was possibly caused by malicious act says report. Cape Town – Two months after a devastating fire ravaged over 600 hectares of Table Mountain and parts of the University of Cape Town an independent report reveals that it was started during a malicious act.
How did the Table Mountain fire start 2021?
Independent investigator Rob Erasmus said that his probe found that the fire did not start naturally or accidentally. CAPE TOWN – An independent probe into fire that tore across parts of Cape Town in April has concluded that the blaze was intentionally started.
Who is responsible for the fire on Table Mountain?
Frederick Mhangazo was arrested on 18 April near a new fire on the periphery of the main blaze, which had started in the morning close to the Rhodes Memorial tea room. The 35-year-old man says he lives in a makeshift structure on the slopes of Table Mountain.
How long did the Table Mountain fire last?
three days
Fanned by strong winds, the blaze quickly spread across the mountain, engulfing the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant and Tea Garden and spreading to the University of Cape Town, where several historical buildings were destroyed. The blaze was contained after three days of firefighting.
What is burning on Table Mountain?
The fuel. The natural fynbos vegetation that historically clothed the slopes of Table Mountain is highly inflammable. That situation has also been exacerbated by the introduction of alien trees, which increase the fuel available to burn, and that burn with a much higher intensity than the natural fynbos.
What natural hazard that began in Table Mountain Travelled downslope and damaged buildings in Cape Town University?
A wildfire raging on the slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain spread to the University of Cape Town, burning the historic campus library and forcing the evacuation of students on Sunday.
What happened at Table Mountain?
A wildfire on the slopes of South Africa’s Table Mountain has spread to the nearby University of Cape Town campus, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of students, officials say. The blaze spread quickly after breaking out on Sunday morning near a memorial to politician Cecil Rhodes. A restaurant was destroyed.
Who set the fire in Cape Town?
Zandile Christmas Mafe is facing five charges – including two counts of arson – following the blaze which began tearing its way through the historic Cape Town building on Sunday.
How did UCT library burn?
The fire had broken out in the attic of the University of Cape Town’s Jagger Reading Room after a wildfire that swept across the slopes of the city’s Table Mountain amid high winds on April 18. The library’s reading room and everything inside fell victim to the flames.
Has the Cape Town fire stopped?
“The swift response of the City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service, in collaboration with Table Mountain National Parks and Wildland Fire Volunteers, managed to stop the fire from spreading further,” said the City’s fires spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
Is Table Mountain open after the fire?
Sections of Table Mountain National Park have been reopened after fires in April. SA National Park (SANParks) is reopening sections of Table Mountain National Park which were closed to the public after April’s devastating fires.
Is the Rhodes fire under control?
“The fire is currently out of control and we request that all onlookers please refrain from entering the area and keep the area clear for emergency vehicles to pass,” it said in a statement.
Did UCT burn down?
A fire broke out at UCT on Wednesday, but was doused within hours. A fire broke out on UCT’s upper campus on Wednesday. The fire was doused within two hours and did not cause any damage to property. An investigation into the cause of the fire will be launched.
Did Rhodes Memorial burn down?
Rhodes Memorial Restaurant has burnt down, confirms Table Mountain National Park. Cape Town – While the wildfire had initially gutted part of the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant & Tea Garden, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has confirmed that the restaurant has burned down.
What causes wildfires in South Africa?
Almost 99% of all fires are caused by human negligence, they are most caused by electrical faults or carelessness. Cigarettes, matches and lighters, candles, heating appliances and open braai fires can all cause fires if not carefully monitored. It is not only human error that causes fires.
What are the main causes of wildfires?
Nearly 85 percent* of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans. Human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, equipment use and malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes, and intentional acts of arson. Lightning is one of the two natural causes of fires.
What started fire in Cape Town?
We believe the fire was started by human intent. He added that they were unable to release information about the vehicle. The investigation also revealed that the firebreaks in the area around Devils Peak were in place and had been maintained before the fire season.
Why the fire on Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain was particularly devastating?
Invasion of alien trees also contributes to increased fuel loads, and therefore more dangerous fires. Fynbos is made up mainly of shrubs and therefore when alien trees invade or are planted in fynbos, they tower several meters above fynbos, carrying considerably more fuel.
When did the Cape Town fire start?
18 April 2021
The 2021 Table Mountain fire (also known as the Rhodes Memorial fire or Cape Town fire) is a major fire that started on 18 April 2021 in and around Table Mountain National Park and the neighbourhoods of Newlands, Rosebank, Mowbray and Rondebosch in Cape Town, South Africa.
Who burned down parliament?
The South African man charged with arson for burning down large parts of the country’s historic parliament buildings has also been charged with terrorism. Forty-nine-year-old Zandile Christmas Mafe made his second appearance in court Tuesday.
Which buildings burned at UCT?
On Sunday, 18 April, a runaway fire destroyed the Jagger Reading Room and caused damage in Upper Campus Residence (interim name), Fuller Hall residence, the HW Pearson building, as well as Cadboll House and La Grotta.
