Firefighters are battling a raging mountain fire in Tokai, Cape Town, which has led to the evacuation of the Noordhoek retirement village. The blaze, which ignited on Friday, April 25, 2025, flared up again on Sunday morning, April 27, prompting urgent action from local authorities. Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, reported that over 90 firefighters are working tirelessly across multiple fronts, including Noordhoek, Steenberg Estate, Ou Kaapse Weg, and Clovelly.
As the fire intensified due to shifting wind direction and increased wind speed, it began advancing rapidly toward Silvermine Dam. Smith confirmed that the fire, initially contained, has now spread significantly, requiring a robust response from firefighting teams. “The fire, which initially started on Friday evening in the Upper Tokai area, had been largely contained but has since flared up,” he stated.
In response to the growing threat, three helicopters and multiple firefighting teams have been deployed. These teams include firefighters from the Table Mountain National Park, City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Services, Enviro Wildfire Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS), NCC Wildfires, and Provincial Disaster Management. Resources on the ground include 12 major pumper fire engines, five strike teams, and five water tankers, all working in concert to combat the flames.
The evacuation of the Noordhoek retirement village was a precautionary measure, as officials prioritize the safety of residents. Staff at Noordhoek Manor declined to comment as they focused on evacuating the last residents. Smith reassured the public, saying, “While no property is at risk, we're taking proactive measures to contain the fire.”
In light of the fire's rapid advancement, residents and visitors are urged to stay clear of the Upper Tokai and Silvermine areas. This includes hikers and mountain bikers who must evacuate immediately from Silvermine West (Gate 1) and Silvermine East (Gate 2). The City has also closed Ou Kaapse Weg in both directions from Steenberg to the Sun Valley side due to thick smoke and reduced visibility.
City Traffic Services spokesperson Maxine Bezuidenhout emphasized the need for the public to avoid the area, stating, “Rubbernecking is causing additional traffic volumes, causing gridlock. Please avoid the area if possible.”
As the firefighting efforts continue, the City of Cape Town has requested donations to support the crews on the front lines. Items needed include 500ml bottles of water, 500ml bottles of Energade or Powerade, energy or snack bars, chocolates, small packets of nuts or snacks, eye drops, hydration powder, and fresh fruit. Donations can be delivered to various locations, including the Newlands Fire Base and the Fish Hoek civic centre.
In addition to human safety, the Cape SPCA has mobilized its emergency teams, ready to enter the fire zone as soon as it is safe to search for and rescue animals that may be trapped or injured. They have urged the public for donations to aid their search and rescue efforts, stating, “Once we can access the area, it will be a race against time to save those we can. Please consider a donation towards our search and rescue efforts - We can't do it without you.”
For urgent help evacuating pets, the Cape SPCA can be contacted at 083 326 1604. The situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring the fire's progression and providing updates as necessary.
As of now, all trails in Tokai and Silvermine remain closed, and the public is advised to stay informed about closures and safety measures via the City of Cape Town's official channels. This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters and emergency services as they work to protect both lives and properties from the destructive force of the fire.
