Fire on Clovelly mountainside puts brakes on beach-bound traffic

A fire has started spreading along the Clovelly mountainside, resulting in poor visibility on several surrounding roads.

The City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, confirmed that numerous calls had been received at about 12:25pm today, informing them that there was a fire on the mountain slopes above Kalk Bay.

“Several crews were dispatched to the scene and the fire area has been divided into three divisions to assist with property protection,” he said.

Mr Carelse confirmed that aerial support, in the form of two choppers and a spotter plane, had been immediately dispatched.

“We are taking into account several factors including accessibility - the fire is high up on the slopes - and the speed at which the fire is spreading,” he said.

A third chopper is inbound as the aerial vehicles are currently water bombing at the head of the fire.

“At this stage, no property has been damaged. Further updates will follow,” Mr Carelse said.

Meanwhile, traffic services have started closing off roads heavily affected by the smoke.

Several messages cautioning drivers from entering the area have started to circulate.

“All traffic on Boyes or Main roads from Muizenberg will have to make a U-turn back to Muizenberg as well as all traffic from Fish Hoek, return same route,” one message read.

“Fire has jumped the fire break. Please avoid Main Road between Clovelly and Kalk Bay for services to have proper and safe access. Poor visibility on the road as well. Strongly recommend using an alternative route. Please members let’s make it easier for them.”