Religious groups fined for starting latest fire in Table Mountain National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued fines to several religious groups found illegally starting fires in Table Mountain National Park, after a wildfire broke out just below Boyes Drive between Lakeside and Muizenberg on Sunday morning.

The fire, which ignited in Peck’s Valley, quickly prompted a multi-agency response but was successfully contained without any damage to property.

However, a Wildfire Services volunteer had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

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According to SANParks spokesperson JP Louw, park rangers found multiple religious groups in the area, allegedly engaging in unauthorised fire-related rituals.

These groups were removed from the site and fined for violating fire safety regulations.

“They were removed from the site and fined for violating fire safety regulations,” Louw confirmed.

“Mop-up operations are currently underway.”

Ongoing risk and public warning

While Boyes Drive has since been reopened, SANParks is urging the public to avoid nearby trails and fire-affected areas, citing safety concerns and ongoing operations in the vicinity.

Louw warned that Table Mountain National Park remains highly vulnerable to wildfires, particularly during the dry and windy winter season, and emphasised the importance of strict adherence to fire safety regulations.

Sacred spaces vs public safety

The incident has once again highlighted ongoing tensions between religious worship practices – often conducted in secluded natural areas – and park safety regulations.

While SANParks acknowledged the significance of spiritual use of the land, it reiterated that lighting fires in the park is strictly prohibited outside of designated areas.

Any excuse for religious groups starting fires?

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