Cape Town wildfire engulfs Lion's Head mountain and forces residents to evacuate

A wildfire has broken out on Cape Town's famous Lion's Head mountain, prompting many to evacuate their homes.

The blaze has been spreading quickly due to strong and dry winds.

Wildfire sweeps across Lion’s Head mountain in Cape Town. Credit: Irene McC Cape Town

Many nearby residents posted videos to social media showing the fire blaze across the mountain and helicopters carrying water towards the site.

A Cape Town fire service spokesman told News 24 70 firefighters and 20 trucks were fighting the blaze.

Firefighting efforts continued into the night and resumed in the morning, with authorities saying the fire is now under control. The cause of the fire is still unknown.