The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has placed its air resources in Cape Town on standby to assist with the ongoing wildfire near Table Mountain.

SANParks estimates that about 400 ha of wildland has been destroyed so far while the City of Cape Town reports that eight structures have been damaged or destroyed in the fire, including four buildings on the University of Cape Town campus.

Western Cape provincial Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister Anton Bredell said the SANDF was activated on Monday morning.

“At the moment the wind is too strong and it is not safe to fly the helicopters. As soon as the weather permits, the air force will be in the air. The Oryx can carry a water payload of 2 000 ℓ per drop. We welcome the SAAF support as always,” he said.

He urged the public to avoid the Table Mountain area while the fire remains ongoing owing to heavy winds.