DO NOT use fireworks in Table Mountain National Park on New Year’s Eve! – SANParks

John Maytham speaks to JP Louw of SANParks ahead of New Year’s Eve.

Listen below.

SANParks asks the public to refrain from using fireworks in and around Table Mountain National Park to avoid fires.

Louw explains that 23 fires have been reported this year which is higher than previous years.

Table Mountain saw 10 fires this year and fireworks pose a risk.

"Table Mountain National Park is an open area national park so there are other areas where people can come in and out of the park at their own leisure. In particular, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, The Glen and Tafelberg Road - that's where the problem areas are for us when it comes to people igniting fireworks."

- JP Louw, SANParks

Safety on the mountain, especially at night, is also an issue.

"We don't encourage anyone to be near the mountain or the whole park in the evening because there are safety issues that goes with that... If you were to get hurt, it would make it much more difficult for us to assist you if there's no light."

- JP Louw, SANParks

Louw warns that setting off fireworks near mountains might get you fined.

"I can see the spectacle of it, but around the Table Mountain National Park, we have fynbos ecology which is prone to fires and can spark into uncontrolled wildfires. Last year, close to midnight, we had a fire near the Signal Hill area precisely because of this practice and it's possible that you can find yourself fined."

- JP Louw, SANParks

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.