Fires disrupt traffic around Cape Town's Table Mountain

Firefighters and emergency staff continue to battle fires on Cape Town's Table Mountain on 18 March 2009. The fires reportedly broke out at 2000 local time on 17 March, and were largely brought under control early on 18 March. However, fires continue to burn in five separate areas on the mountain. Current weak winds have allowed emergency crews to contain the flames, but they warn that a shift or increase in winds could cause the fires to flare up again. The fires have forced at least 60 people in the suburbs immediately below the mountain to evacuate. At least seven people have been injured, but no property damage has been reported. Helicopters, water tankers, the metro police force and the Table Mountain Disaster Management Service have all aided the local firefighters in controlling the blaze. The fires have also severely disrupted traffic around the mountain. Authorities reported that De Waal drive, one the main routes into the city from the southern suburbs, will be closed in both directions for the majority of the day. Traffic on Tafelberg Road at the lower Cableway station has been rerouted to Eastern Boulevard. Authorities advise motorists leaving Cape Town's central business district to use Eastern Boulevard or the N1 freeway. The M3 freeway was also closed at 2200 local time on 17 March, but has since reopened.