The historic Mostert’s Mill in Mowbray has been destroyed by the fire raging in Cape Town.

Private homes close to the mill are also alight. The fire, which has spread to the University of Cape Town’s upper and middle campus, has prompted the evacuation of all students.

Pic by Corbin August

Several roads in the area have been closed to traffic. The fire broke out this morning on the mountain slopes at the Rhodes Memorial. A section of a restaurant at the memorial has been gutted.

Three helicopters and additional fire fighting teams are being used to battle the blaze in sweltering temperatures.

Earlier, SANParks Table Mountain National Park requested hikers to immediately evacuate the area. Residents of the Southern Suburbs are advised to take note of the heavy smoke and soot in the area and to seek medical attention if breathing becomes difficult.

Fire fighting resources were deployed to the area from early this morning.

Western Cape Environmental Affairs department spokesperson James-Brent Styan says, “The public is urged to avoid the area and allow the authorities to do their work. The wind is slowly picking up which is a cause for concern. The City of Cape Town fire fighting service as well as teams from SANparks and Working on Fire are on the scene already. People in the area are advised to close their windows, remain hydrated to keep indoors as much as possible, keep pets indoors.”