Cape Town fire: How you can help

Over the Freedom Day long weekend, emergency services and our heroic firefighters have been battling the fire which has engulfed the mountains around Tokai, Silvermine, Noordhoek and surrounding areas.

In addition, the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa and SPCA have been hard at work assisting the critters affected, with a joint effort across the board aiming to mitigate the extent of the natural disaster.

Helicopters have been flown in from both Stellenbosch and George to assist in the firefighting efforts, while the teams on the ground in the affected areas are in need of assistance to keep both their spirits high and bodies nourished.

Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, said in a statement on Monday morning: "No major flare ups were reported overnight. Choppers will be airborne after an assessment. One female firefighter was injured and taken to hospital.

"As of last night (Sunday, 27 April) the fire was creeping down Boyes Drive, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek side, while on the Ou Kaapse Weg side it moved towards Noordhoek. Crews remained on the fire line throughout the night. We are closely monitoring the situation and urge the public to stay away from these areas.

"An Incident Management Team Type 3 has been activated and will work on a 12 hour rotation. This provides greater oversight in managing the incident. Road closures remain in place. Donations in the form of water, energy drinks and bars, as well as non-perishable items may be dropped off at Lakeside Fire Station."

How you can assist

If you are in a position to help, the firefighters and animal rescuers require the supplies mentioned above, as well as nuts, biltong, jam, peanut butter, dried fruit, pet food, wound ointment, bandages, blankets, towels and newspaper, which can also be dropped off at the Lakeside Fire Station.

In addition, there are an estimated 150 emergency services personnel on site, so any hot meals would be greatly appreciated.

If you are unable to get to the Lakeside Fire Station, you can use the various food delivery and grocery store apps to send supplies. All you need to do is change your address to 'Lakeside Fire Station' and place your order.

The cooking of hot meals for the emergency services is taking place in Muizenberg at 27 Yarmouth Road. Supplies such as rice, pasta, mince, chicken, wraps, oil, containers, foil and cling wrap are required and can be delivered using the grocery store apps - just remember to change your address.

Where possible, please stay off the roads

Unless you find yourself in an emergency, please stay off the roads surrounding the fires, as emergency teams need to navigate the area as quickly as possible.

A number of roads have also been closed by authorities, so, again, it's best to please stay off the roads in the areas affected.

Cape Town emergency numbers

Should you require assistance, please take note of the emergency numbers below:

Police: 10111
Ambulance: 10177
Emergency: 112 from your cellphone
Fire and Rescue Services: 021 480 7700 or 107 from your cellphone
Sea and Mountain Rescue: 021 449 3500