# My Alma Mater is on fire **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 18, 2021, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253 "2021-04-18T16:49:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/1 "2021-04-18T16:49:20Z")
University of Cape Town [is on fire](https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/18/fire-wreaks-massive-destruction-on-uct). Also, most of the mountain around it. And [the only surviving windmill](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TYxSrM0-Qg) in sub-Saharan Africa. Am looking at the fire literally up the road where I go for walks. > **['Out of control' fire breaks out in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park...](https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/18/africa/table-mountain-south-africa-fire-intl-afr/index.html)** > > An "out of control" fire is burning in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park, damaging buildings and prompting the evacuation of hikers from the city's most famous landmark, South African officials said Sunday. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/2 "2021-04-18T17:05:59Z")
Sorry, MrDibble. I hope they can save some of it. Having just come out of our own worst fire year in record out here in CA and looking forward to even worse this season, I can definitely empathize. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/3 "2021-04-18T17:16:05Z")
Sorry to hear that; hope it turns out okay with minimal damage and no casualties. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/4 "2021-04-18T18:25:27Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Am looking at the fire literally up the road where I go for walks. First and foremost, I hope you and all the people (and wildlife) can stay safe. Structures can be rebuilt. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/5 "2021-04-18T18:52:31Z")
I’ve evacuated from my flat in Rosebank (a few hundred meters from campus) to my parents’ house, mostly because of the smoke. My parents are both retired from careers as academics at UCT; in my father’s case he was there over 40 years as student and lecturer. I was a student there for six years and an employee for three. We are all in shock tonight. So far, from what I can tell on social media, the damage to campus seems to be mostly to the Biology building and to the Jagger Library. The latter is an incomprehensible loss, housing as it does rare books & special collections. ETA: we are informed that all students and staff were evacuated safely - perhaps easier than it might otherwise have been since COVID restrictions mean that many are still not on campus. There have been some injuries to firefighters apparently. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/6 "2021-04-18T19:38:28Z")
That’s awful and I hope everyone is safe. I’m sorry for both of you- awful to witness. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/7 "2021-04-18T20:24:51Z")
> [@ctnguy](#): > > So far, from what I can tell on social media, the damage to campus seems to be mostly to the Biology building and to the Jagger Library. PD Hahn top floor was also hit, and I’ve heard (but not seen pics) that Music School by the Baxter was also on fire. I do know some fire made it all the way to Main Road - just past Hussar Grill, from what I can tell, so either by Rustenburg Girls or close to it: [https://www.facebook.com/1SecondLater/posts/3004508683112523](https://www.facebook.com/1SecondLater/posts/3004508683112523) Glad you’re safe. I saw some houses in Grotto Road by Middle Campus were also set alight, but getting fire service attention. Going to bed now, but uneasily. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/8 "2021-04-18T21:00:20Z")
MrDibble, I hope you wake up to better news. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/9 "2021-04-18T21:17:36Z")
From what I have gleaned, no lives have been lost. This is a very good thing and I hope that it continues that way. How sad about the library. All those priceless books lost forever. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/10 "2021-04-18T21:23:29Z")
I’d been hearing worrying things about the MCB [edit: Molecular and Cell Biology] building but Ed Rybicki confirmed on his Twitter that it only had superficial damage. I can’t find out anything about PD Hahn, have you seen pictures? On the Music School - I think people may have been mistaking that for Cadbol House which looks quite similar and did burn. I also saw a video of a tree on fire on Main Road at the Alma Park (across the road from Rosebank Methodist Church). There are a lot of trees in that area on Burg Road between the Baxter and Rustenburg Junior, I wouldn’t be surprised if flying embers set some of them on fire. My flat is further downhill on the other side of the railway line, so I don’t think it was ever at much risk, but still. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/11 "2021-04-18T21:35:52Z")
Yes, that is indeed the one redeeming thing at this point. It is reported that two firefighters have been injured, but no deaths. And great generosity has been shown by the people of Cape Town to help house and feed the students who have been displaced. As to the library, no-one knows yet how bad it is. Appearances are [appalling](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6TuIFaHAUh8SuutbjB-V57XtXYJRfFzGUA1Nx5gTX75YNixHy1S5EcgLsIyVuS4iQ1yFG8fExB-a9FDtNgSXj4FWXoLhZfsRxhI=s1200) but it is rumoured that some of the more precious items may have been saved by fire-proof vaults. I think probably we will not know for days until the building has been made safe. Ironically, my father (who retired at the end of last year) was supposed to go in tomorrow to clear out his office. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/12 "2021-04-18T22:06:14Z")
There was a big water crisis in Cape Town not that long ago–but the rains returned. Has the drought recurred? ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/13 "2021-04-18T22:18:32Z")
No, the water situation is OK, but we’re at the end of summer so things are naturally dry. It’s a Mediterranean climate - for comparison think of the central California coast, but of course the seasons are inverted. And unfortunately today was particularly hot and windy. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/14 "2021-04-19T05:26:59Z")
> [@ctnguy](#): > > I can’t find out anything about PD Hahn, have you seen pictures? I was wrong, it was the HW Pearson (what I think of as Botany - is that what you meant by Biology?) : [![](https://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/9736/c4ece79b45454136892ac8e8fc633825.jpg) ](https://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/9736/c4ece79b45454136892ac8e8fc633825.jpg) I did Cell Bio in that building. My first real girlfriend was in Botany Hons., too… ☹ > [@nelliebly](#): > > MrDibble, I hope you wake up to better news. Not so much - it’s gone around the mountain to above the City proper, and the winds have picked up quite strongly: > **[WRAP | No active firefighting taking place on Table Mountain, mop-up...](https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/developing-strong-winds-fan-cape-town-fire-further-evacuations-underway-20210419)** > > A massive fire that began on Sunday in Cape Town has spread overnight due to strong winds, forcing residents to evacuate their homes. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/15 "2021-04-19T06:04:27Z")
This is truly heartbreaking. I am so sorry for all of the people and also for such a treasured institution to be damaged so badly. Hopefully the 0 death count will continue and homes can be saved. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/16 "2021-04-19T07:03:20Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > I was wrong, it was the HW Pearson (what I think of as Botany - is that what you meant by Biology?) : Ah yes. The Botany and Zoology departments merged a few years ago which is why I referred to it as Biology. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/17 "2021-04-19T14:14:08Z")
Sounds like at least part of this may have been arson: > **[Man detained as 'out of control' Cape Town fires continue to rage | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/19/africa/man-detained-cape-town-fires-intl/index.html)** > > A man has been detained in relation to the "out of control" fires in Cape Town, which began on Sunday morning and continues to blaze 24 hours later. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/18 "2021-04-19T14:32:07Z")
> **[Table Mountain fire has been contained - officials](https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/19/table-mountain-fire-has-been-contained)** > > More than 150 firefighters, more volunteers and over 30 firefighting appliances remain on the ground to monitor flare ups. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/19 "2021-04-19T14:48:26Z")
The situation around that arrest is rather confusing. I just watched [the mayor’s press conference](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLRI1BmeTFY) and the man arrested was caught by local residents who found him allegedly starting a fire. But that was yesterday evening so there’s no direct connection with the fire that started early in the morning. It’s unfortunately not unusual for fires to be started in that area by homeless people who are using them for cooking and warmth. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253/20 "2021-04-19T15:40:56Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Not so much - it’s gone around the mountain to above the City proper, and the winds have picked up quite strongly Damn. And damned worrisome. Fingers are still crossed here. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-on-fire/940253.md?page=2)