Any Capetonian will tell you that watching the fires that have been raging on Table Mountain over the past few days has been a frightening experience.

Thankfully, the fire department and Table Mountain National Park managed to get the blaze under control. The firefighters cannot be praised enough for their brave efforts.

The devastating aftermath of the fire serves as a reminder that we all need to be more careful, especially during summer. Please look after the mountain – it is our heritage.

These images tell the story of the devastation that irresponsible behaviour (like throwing cigarette butts out of a car window, or making a fire on the mountain) can cause. 

Images © Nadia de Jager and the Volunteer Wildfire Services 2009