/ 31 December 2010

Signal Hill fire contained

An overnight veld fire on the slopes of Signal Hill above Cape Town has been contained, the city’s Fire and Rescue Services said on Friday.

“Right now, we have some firemen and teams monitoring,” said spokesperson Theo Lane.

Firefighters battled throughout Thursday to control several fires which were being fanned by strong south-easterly winds.

Several fire engines and helicopters were used to waterbomb the flames.

There were no reports of injury or damage to property.

City fire chief Ian Schnetler said the first fire was reported at 10.38am on Military Road.

“We sent three fire engines to the scene and the fire was extinguished at 2.25pm.”

At 12.40pm another fire broke out near High Level Road, Sea Point.

The fire was brought under control soon after 2pm.

An hour later another two fires started on Signal Hill.

The South African Weather Service earlier this week issued a red fire alert for the Cape Metro. – Sapa