History caught in blaze - 21 April 2021

A raging inferno, originating in the Table Mountain foothills, South Africa, has torched the University of Cape Town’s venerated 200 year old Jagger Library, a treasure trove of rare books, precious manuscripts and original artefacts, many relating to African History.

Dan Plato, city mayor, considers the extent of the damage.

Dan Plato: "On campus is more than ten fire vehicles currently. We have three buildings currently burning sporadically and, but this one is a major problem for us. It’s the library with lots and lots of old ancient valuables in the library."

As a result of the library’s sprinkler system, some of the library and its contents will be able to be salvaged, but as winds propelled the fire through campus, undergraduates were roused from their sleeping quarters and had to make a quick dash to safety.

The flames tore through residential buildings and to the horror of many, the famed Mostert’s Mill, the last remaining complete windmill in South Africa, was also caught in the blaze.

At 9 in the morning South African time, hundreds of valiant firefighters, two of whom were subsequently wounded, hurried to the scene in an effort to control the conflagration. They were soon to be joined by helicopters dousing the fire from above.

Concern for ramblers taking advantage of the wilds of the Table Mountain National Park saw the alarm raised through social media, urging hikers to make a quick getaway and vacate car parks.

With the origin of the fire thought to be near the memorial for South African politician Cecil Rhodes, what actually spawned the fire is unknown. Speculation has grown that the fire originated from a rough sleeper battling the cold.

Mr Plato, Cape Town Mayor, is avoiding hasty conclusions.

Dan Plato: "Me, I think, during the night, early tomorrow morning, we will be in a much better position to say where and how the fire have started."