In the early evening on Tuesday, December 19, a significant blaze erupted along the slopes of the mountains above Simonstown. The Cape Town Fire and Rescue services promptly mobilized to address the escalating fire, fueled by persistent strong winds. Efforts to contain the blaze persisted well into the midnight hours, prompting some residents to initiate voluntary evacuations from their homes.

Notably, Simonstown houses South Africa's largest naval base. Amid the onset of the summer holiday season, the Cape Peninsula had witnessed several fire outbreaks due to the heightened risk posed by strong winds, contributing to the alarming spread of fires across the region.

Cape Town, South Africa - 19 December 2023: A raging fire started on the slopes of the mountains above Simonstown in the early evening on Tuesday. Cape Town Fire and Rescue services swiftly responded as string winds continued to fan the fire. Fire services were still trying to contain the fire at midnight as some residents started evacuating their homes.

Simonstown is the location of South Africa’s largest naval base. Since the start of the summer holiday season various fires have erupted across the Cape Peninsula as strong winds created a high risk of fires.