Cape Town rallies in the face of the inferno

Table Mountain is an iconic location, the centrepiece attraction of the Mother City, the calling card for Cape Town and it holds a special place in the hearts of locals. So when the fires that flared up along its slopes this week, it was no surprise to see how hard it hit Capetonians.

It was equally unsurprising to see how quickly local firefighters responded to the blaze and how the surrounding communities rallied in support of these heroic first responders.

More than 250 firefighters from Table Mountain National Park, NCC Wildfires, Working on Fire, Volunteer Wildfire Services and City of Cape Town, along with three choppers, and more than 30 fire engines were dispatched to the fire, battling the blaze on a number of fronts. As the wildfire surged out of control, leaving a wave of devastation in its wake, including damage to iconic landmarks such as UCT's Jagger Library, Mostert Mill (which was built in 1796 and was the oldest surviving working windmill in South Africa) and the Rhodes Memorial restaurant, the crews fought heroically to contain it.

The images that quickly began circulating across social media were heart-breaking to say the least and the site of such carnage was hard to swallow. Evacuations were necessary with students from local residences forced to flee the flames, while residents close to the mountain's slopes were also ousted from their homes in the dead of night as the blaze crept ever closer to their doorsteps.

A shining light in the gloom

It proved to be a dark period for Cape Town and the city was forced to hold its collective breath as the fires surged across the slops of its beloved mountain.

But while it was distressing to watch the fires blaze, it was heart-warming to watch as Cape Town pulled together to help those in their hour of need and to witness the Mother City's collective will to help support the firefighters as they tirelessly fought on the frontline.

Within hours, hotel groups around the city had opened their doors to accommodate students left destitute, while restaurants like Den Anker and fast-food chains like burger King lined up to feed them. Locals were also quick to play host to any left without a roof over their heads, inviting them to stay in spare rooms or crash on a couch.

It was an unbelievable show of good will and once again, it truly showcased the spirt of this incredible city.

Giving where we can

While not everybody is able to give physically to the fight against wildfires (many of those on the frontline are unpaid volunteers) the ability to rally behind the firefighters was as rapid - and overwhelming - as the response by restaurants and accommodation providers in the city.

Within hours of the call going out, food, water and other much-needed medical supplies for the exhausted firefighters were delivered to drop-off point around Cape Town and swiftly taken to those men and women tirelessly fighting to ensure the damage was kept to as minimal as possible.

Non-profit organisation, Gift of the Givers, was so overwhelmed with support that they called for an end to donations! Having assessed their resources, they were able to fulfil a commitment to UCT to provide 4000 students with 3 daily meals for a week. Further proof that the sense of community in Cape Town is as strong as ever and that it rallies in times of need.

The Agency has always believed in the strength of the community and the desire to work with the greater Cape Town areas. It is as much a part of our company profile as any of our other core pillars and we tap into it frequently to ensure we can contribute both professionally and personally. While the sight of our beloved mountain burning was distressing, we took great pride in how the community rallied to fight it.

One of Cape Town's most alluring sights is the city built along the slopes of Table Mountain, but if anything, this week has taught us how quickly a small spark can turn into a raging wildfire. At times like this, it is worth remembering how you can get involved. Here are some ways to support our brave firefighters and donate to some of the organisations involved:

SUPPLIES FOR FIRE FIGHTERS:

• Lakeside Fire Station: 021 444 1674
• Roeland Street Fire Station: 021 444 8963
• Sea Point Fire Station: 021 434 2020
• Constantia Fire Station: 021 400 5514

CAPE TOWN CONTACTS:

• City of Cape Town: 021 480 7700
• VWS Wildfire Service: 021 824 3370
• Gift of the Givers: 0800 786 911
• SPCA: 021 700 4140
• Fritz Dog Hotel: 021 200 4244
• PDSA: 063 608 7624
• Depression & Anxiety Group: 0800 242 526