[Image: SANParks / X]
SANParks says they’ve charged religious groups a fine for illegally starting fires on the Table Mountain National Park following Saturday’s fire.
This follows investigations suggesting that the religious groups may have set their own burning bush ablaze above Boyes Drive and in Peck’s Valley.
SANParks spokesperson JP Louw says park rangers found several religious groups illegally starting fires in the area.
“They were removed from the site and fined for violating fire safety regulations. Louw says mop-up operations are underway. He urged members of the public and hikers to avoid the surrounding trails until further notice.”
City of Cape Town’s fire chief Jermaine Carlse: “In my time, when I was in operations in Strand, we had similar incidents where a certain religious group used the fire as some kind of symbol for them. We had quite a daunting task to actually persuade them not to do so. I’ve had my fair battles with them as well.”
Louw says a volunteer Wildfire Services firefighter received medical assistance for smoke inhalation. The fire has since been contained and caused no damage to property.
Boyes Drive Fire Update – 10:00 AM
A fire broke out above Boyes Drive and is currently spreading along the left flank towards St James. Multiple resources have been deployed to assist with containment efforts.
Boyes Drive is currently closed to the public.
— SANParks TMNP (@TableMountainNP) June 15, 2025
It is unlikely that any of the plethora of gods being worshipped on the mountain wants to burn down the Peninsula, so let’s hope these groups find alternative places to burn bushes.
