As fire threatened Noordhoek Manor, swift evacuation efforts, brave staff, and a compassionate community came together to protect vulnerable residents, showcasing resilience and unity during a Cape Town Fire crisis
As the Tokai fire raged into its third day, fanned by relentless winds and scorching heat, a new threat loomed over Noordhoek. The blaze, which had been raging since Friday in Tokai, flared up again on Sunday morning and started spreading quickly toward Ou Kaapse Weg. The fire intensified due to shifting wind direction and increased wind speed . Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said on Sunday that over 90 firefighters were working tirelessly across several fronts: Noordhoek, Steenberg Estate, Ou Kaapse Weg, and Clovelly.
At Noordhoek Manor Retirement Village, the decision was made to evacuate the village as a precaution.
“We could see the glow on the mountainside, even during the day,” recalled a Noordhoek Manor resident, who has lived at the village for three years. “It was beautiful and terrifying at the same time. But then the WhatsApp arrived. The Manager told us we had to leave, so we knew it was serious.”
It was a chilling realization for the residents knowing that they had to quickly evacuate. The normally quiet village became a flurry of urgent activity.
“I quickly packed a few things for my husband and I, told him to get his medication, grabbed the passports and other important documentation. He quickly switched the power off and we hurriedly got into the car and joined the other residents who were exiting the retirement village. We did see that there were several ambulances at the frail care centre who had come to transport the sick and elderly to other retirement facilities”.
The timing was critical. The evacuation was carried out with practiced calm and determination. Staff members, many of whom had families and homes of their own at risk, stayed behind to ensure every resident was accounted for.
I’ve never been prouder of our team” said Monica Mason, Faircape Life Noordhoek – Village Manager. “They moved quickly, stayed calm, and put our residents’ safety first. I’m also extremely grateful for the support from the community and the disaster risk management team. What really helped with the speedy evacuation was our regular fire drills and the fantastic group of Volunteers in the Village, who helped alert residents and made sure everyone got out safely and no one was left behind.”
Cape Town residents have long been known for their quick and compassionate response in times of crisis — and The 2025 Cape Town Fire was no exception. In a heartwarming display of solidarity, residents of nearby retirement villages and local hotel owners opened their doors, offering spare beds and warm meals to the mature evacuees displaced by the advancing flames. As smoke filled the sky and the fire raged on, the broader community — from emergency services to concerned families and neighbours — rallied to provide support. By the end of the day, the Noordhoek Manor residents had been safely relocated: some to nearby care facilities, others to the homes of relatives, and many to accommodating local hotels.
A Fish Hoek resident said “We didn’t think twice. If it were us in their shoes, we’d hope someone would do the same. We’re all part of the same community.”
The swift action and deep sense of community surrounding Noordhoek Manor Retirement Village ensured that its most vulnerable residents were not alone in the crisis — they were safe, supported, and surrounded by compassion.
Image courtesy of Andrew Hallett, Time Out Cape Town
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