A body was recovered from Lion’s Head on Monday morning after a fire on the mountain slopes hampered rescue operations on Sunday night.

Wilderness Search and Rescue received reports that a person had fallen on Lion’s Head on Sunday night, but a fire in the area prevented rescue efforts.

The fire broke out on Lion’s Head on Sunday night, but was contained quickly by crews from Sea Point, Roeland Street and Kloof Nek, News24 previously reported.

The section of Table Mountain National Park was closed by park management earlier in the month because of non-compliance with adjusted Level 3 lockdown regulations.

Wilderness Search and Rescue spokesperson Johan Marais said rescue operations were made impossible by the fire.

Only once fire crews had given the all-clear, could the rescue team go in to locate the body. They found the person had suffered fatal injuries, Marais said.

The body was removed from the mountain by helicopter on Monday morning, Marais added.

Western Cape police confirmed the death, saying an inquest docket had been opened for investigation.

We can confirm that the body of a 53-year-old male was recovered on Lion’s Head [on Monday] morning.

The body of the deceased was airlifted by a helicopter from the slopes of the mountain, said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.