Hundreds forced to flee as Cape Town fires devastate Table Mountain

Hundreds of people have been forced to leave their homes in the South African city of Cape Town because of wildfires. The fires have been burning for several days and swept out of control, with smoke and flames illuminating the night sky around Table Mountain National Park. People who could not stay with family were housed in a community centre and later returned home even though the fire was not yet fully under control.

We had some rain but it was not enough to change the situation.

Emergency services spokesman

An emergency services spokesman said 150 firefighters had been working 24-hour shifts in hot summer temperatures of up to 29C (84F) to tackle the blaze, which started on Sunday. Rain showers were not enough to put it out, he said. The fire has been contained to the Tokai Forest and the Clovelly neighbourhood, the spokesman added.

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