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Smoke rises over Table Mountain: On Sunday, a major fire destroyed large areas of the Cape Town landmark
Photo: Lyu Tianran / dpa
A major fire in Cape Town has affected significant areas of the famous Table Mountain.
The slopes above Newlands were on fire on Sunday.
The fire continued to spread towards the University of Cape Town, which lies at the foot of one of the peaks of Table Mountain.
All students who were on campus were brought to safety, the university announced on Twitter on Sunday.
Authorities called on all residents and visitors to leave the affected area immediately.
Table Mountain is a popular hiking destination and landmark of Cape Town, it is under nature protection.
Serious fires are common in South Africa's dry season.
According to rescue services, the fire broke out on Sunday morning.
A firefighter was injured during the operation.
The cause of the fire was a campfire lit by a homeless person, it said.
The city announced on Twitter on Sunday evening that efforts to bring the fire under control were still ongoing.
A video shows buildings of the university that are on fire.
fla / dpa