More than 100 000 hectares of land have been scorched across South Africa’s Western Cape province as wildfires, fuelled by strong winds, continue to rage for nearly a week.
Anton Bredell, the provincial minister of local government, confirmed on Sunday, January 11, that firefighting teams have been mobilised throughout the region.
Aerial support, including helicopters and water-bombing planes, is currently targetting the rugged Cederberg mountains, where steep terrain makes ground access impossible.
Bredell told reporters that their priority was to prevent loss of life and protect settlements.
In the coastal district of Mossel Bay, shifting winds drove flames into residential zones.
The Garden Route District Municipality reported that at least 10 homes have been destroyed, with crews now racing to establish defensive lines to save other properties.
Thick smoke has severely reduced visibility on the N2 highway, the country’s primary east-west artery, prompting officials to warn motorists against unnecessary travel.