South African Table Mountain forest fire threatens University of Cape Town

Students moved to safety as campus buildings set ablaze

Firefighters attempt to extinguish a fire in the Jagger Library, at the University of Cape Town, after a forest fire spread down the foothills of Table Mountain, in Cape Town, South Africa, on Sunday. AFP

Students are evacuated from their residences at the University of Cape Town as the forest fire burns out of control. AFP

Firefighters retreat from a wall of flame as the forest fire burns out of control on the foothills of Table Mountain, Cape Town. AFP

The charred remains of historic Mostert's Mill, which was built in 1796, with the forest fire still burning in the background. AFP

A firefighter surveys the smouldering shells of buildings at the historic Mostert's Mill site, destroyed in the bushfire on the slopes of Table Mountain, Cape Town. Reuters

A helicopter tries to douse the blaze that destroyed the Jagger Library, dating back almost 200 years, on the University of Cape Town campus. EPA

A firefighter battles the bushfire that broke out on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town. Several firefighters were injured tackling the blaze. Reuters

Firefighters fight flames at the University of Cape Town's Jagger Library. Reuters

Colleagues attend to a firefighter who collapsed due to the effects of smoke and heat, while fighting the forest fire on the foothills of Table Mountain. AFP

Firefighters attempt to extinguish a burning building at the University of Cape Town. Many university buildings were damaged. AP Photo

Fire crews battle to contain the bushfire that broke out on the slopes of Table Mountain. Reuters

A helicopter drops water over the wildfire at Rhodes Memorial on Table Mountain, Cape Town. AP Photo

The destruction caused by the bushfire that broke out on the slopes of Table Mountain, in Cape Town, South Africa. Reuters

A fire on the slopes of South Africa's Table Mountain forced University of Cape Town students to move to safety on Sunday, as campus buildings were set ablaze and firefighters used helicopters to bomb the area with water.

One firefighter sustained burns and was taken to hospital for treatment, officials said.

The fire started early on Sunday near a memorial to former leader Cecil Rhodes on Devil's Peak before spreading rapidly up the slopes.

Heavy smoke could be seen for kilometres. Some roads were closed and fire alerts were sent to mountain hikers.

"All UCT students have been evacuated from campus by emergency services support staff," the university said.

Ranked among the best on the continent, the university is on the slopes of Devil's Peak, close to where the fire started.

Social media footage showed students milling around on the main road, amid billowing smoke fanned by strong winds.

Another video, tweeted by the local government, showed flames raging inside an old building lined with columns.

City officials said they have not asked residents in the popular Rondesbosch suburb and surrounding area to move.

"The situation is being monitored and staff will go door to door in the event that evacuation is required," they said.

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