A massive fire that broke out on the slopes of the famous Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town, South Africa, forced authorities to evacuate students from the University of Cape Town campus Sunday.
The University of Cape Town administration said, “Emergency services support staff evacuated all students from its campus due to the outbreak of the fire in Table Mountain National Park.”
Photos of the fire showed campus buildings on fire, as well as a historic windmill nearby.
Authorities dispatched more than 100 firefighters and emergency personnel to the campus and Table Mountain National Park.
Officials said four helicopters were used to drop water on areas threatened by fire.
One firefighter was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment, according to Cape Town Fire and Rescue.
جبل الطاولة يحترق ⛰🔥 pic.twitter.com/NHeEbayJbe
— iCape | كيب تاون (@iCapeAgency) April 18, 2021
In a statement, Charlotte Powell, spokeswoman for the city’s Center for Disaster Risk Management, said residents have been warned to be vigilant.
Powell added, “At this point, there is no reason to evacuate, but we ask residents to observe the following: Close all windows to avoid smoke and reduce heat, and water gardens with a hose or irrigation system.”
