Cape Town Residents Evacuated Amid National Park Blaze

Cape Town residents were evacuated on Monday after an "out of control" fire burst in Table Mountain National Park the day before, the authorities reported.

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People from at least three 17-story residential buildings were rescued by South African emergency workers after the blaze expanded due to strong winds. Other buildings such as Cape Town's historical library and a restaurant have been devastated.

Local authorities said in a statement that "the fire is not under control yet. At this time, the wind is a major contributing factor." Moreover, "the fire that initially started in the vicinity of Rhodes Memorial just under 24 hours ago continues to rage and has spread in the direction of Vredehoek," the statement added.

It is estimated that the flames will continue for at least three to four days, although officials investigate whether an arsonist was involved. Specialists explained that vegetation in the area could contribute to the blaze, yet it had never had this magnitude before.