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The wildfire that broke out in the Jonkersdam area of Table Mountain National Park on Thursday has been successfully contained.
A firefighting helicopter was deployed mid-morning to assist ground crews and will remain in the area to monitor and suppress any remaining hotspots.
Table Mountain National Park will assess the condition of affected trails before making a decision on reopening. For now, the following trails remain closed until further notice:
- Jonkersdam Trail
- Adjacent Horseriding Trail
- Louis Gay Dam Trail
- Kleinplaas Dam Trail
While firefighting operations have been scaled down, a crew remained on-site overnight to continue monitoring and mop-up efforts.
SANParks thanked McDonald’s and the public for donating supplies and support to the firefighters on the front lines.
17 October 2025: UPDATE - Jonkersdam fire containment efforts continue + surrounding trails closed
Smouldering sections are still visible in several parts of the fire line across the Jonkersdam mountainous area of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), as firefighting efforts continue to contain the fire that broke out on Thursday afternoon.
A fresh team of 85 firefighters from SANParks, the City of Cape Town, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, and Provincial Disaster Management is now on the scene - after significant progress was made overnight and into the early morning, according to the latest updates from SANParks
The wind has eased considerably, and although the situation remains precarious with active fires in certain areas, firefighting efforts are focused on hotspots in Welcome Glen and De Gama Park. A spotter plane and firefighting helicopter are adding support aerial suppression, while ongoing drone surveillance provides real-time thermal mapping to guide crews to remaining hotspots.
For public safety, the following trails remain closed until further notice:
- Jonkersdam Trail
- Adjacent Horseriding Trail
- Louis Gay Dam Trail
- Kleinplaas Dam Trail
It is best to avoid the affected areas and keep clear of firefighting operations to allow emergency services unrestricted access.
SANParks thanked McDonald’s and the public for donating supplies and support to the firefighters on the front lines.
Residents in surrounding communities should stay alert and follow instructions from emergency services - should the situation change.
What to do if you spot a fire in or around Cape Town’s nature Parks:
If you see smoke or flames Report it immediately
- City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue: 021 480 7700 (from a cellphone) or 107 (from a landline)
- Table Mountain National Park emergency line: 086 110 6417
Give accurate details
- Describe what you see and share your location — use landmarks or GPS pins where possible.
Leave the area safely
- Move away from smoke, flames, and uphill slopes.
Report suspicious behaviour
- If you suspect arson or unsafe activity, alert authorities immediately.
The situation remains under close observation, and further updates will follow as information becomes available.
16 October 2025: Firefighters tackling intense Jonkersdam blaze
Rescue Services are actively engaged in firefighting efforts in response to a wildfire currently burning in the Jonkersdam area of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), near the Glencairn Expressway, and is moving toward Capri Village.
SANParks confirmed fire crews are working along both the left and right flanks of the fire line to contain its spread as it moves to residential properties.
ALSO SEE: Fire ravages vintage workshop Restorabilia
The area should be avoided, and residents in nearby areas are being asked to remain alert and follow all instructions from emergency services if issued.
More than 60 ground crew firefighters and multiple vehicles have been deployed from SANParks, the Fire & Rescue Services, Newlands Working on Fire, Provincial Disaster Management, and the Volunteer Wildfire Services.
A drone surveillance unit is providing real-time aerial monitoring to assist with tactical coordination, while City of Cape Town resources are focused on residential protection operations.
As the Western Cape enters the summer season, TMNP reminds the public to exercise extra caution, as rising temperatures and dry vegetation significantly increase fire risk.
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