Cape Town fires: Firefighters bracing for change in wind conditions

CAPE TOWN - Cooler temperatures have offered fire crews in the south Peninsula some respite Monday morning, but authorities are bracing for a change in wind conditions.

Crews have been battling a mountain fire between Tokai and Muizenberg since Sunday.

One firefighter is recovering in hospital after she was injured on a fire line in Hout Bay overnight.

The dense fog bank that settled over the southern suburbs has fire authorities cautiously optimistic.

City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said the situation is still dynamic.

"The mist will clear after 9am then choppers will be airborne. Hopefully, we'll make big inroads. We’re mindful of the change in weather. We’re expecting a north westerly wind that could actually hamper efforts."

READ: Fire resources called in from neighbouring districts to assist with Table Mountain fire

Emergency vehicles line a cordoned-off Boyes Drive, Ou Kaapse Weg and Tokai Road to respond to burning pockets.

Their disaster response now hinges on the temperamental weather pattern.

"Those fire areas, from Tokai, Noordhoek, Clovelly, Ou Kaapse Weg and Boyes drive… as soon as the mist lifts, we'll have a reconnaissance and send the drones up to see what still lies ahead for this fire," said  Carelse.

Overnight, the fire ravaged at least 3,000 hectares of vegetation.