Flames seen close to the city fanned by strong winds. Reuters

At least one firefighter has been injured as emergency services fight to contain a fire that broke out Sunday in the foothills of Cape Town's landmark Table Mountain, city authorities said.

The blaze, has already destroyed a restaurant alongside a statue of British colonial icon Cecil Rhodes.

As strong winds fanned the blaze, hundreds of University of Cape Town students had to flee their dormitories on foot along the main road as their library burned.

Residents look on as fire engulf the slopes of Table Mountain. Reuters

Cape Town's mayor Dan Plato said at least one firefighter was being treated for burns in hospital.

Private homes and and historical structures such as the Mostert's Hill windmill had been damaged in the fire, said a statement from the city authorities.

Table Mountain National Park, which spreads over much of the city's unbuilt area, called on social media for hikers to leave the area and for motorists to remove cars parked in the vicinity. 

Smoke and clouds fanned by strong winds engulf houses. Reuters

A first alert went up shortly before 9:00 am (07:00 GMT), city authorities said.

Helicopters have joined the fight, dumping water on the inferno, they added.

Agence France-Presse