/ 10 March 1999

FIRE RAGES IN BOLAND

FIREFIGHTERS in the Boland in the Western Cape are battling to control a bush fire on the outskirts of Franschhoek. Winelands District Council fire chief Danie Wilds said the flames are being fanned out of control by a south-easter wind and warned farmers near Franschhoek to prepare to evacuate their homes should the flames reach the pine plantation near the village. The fire started on Monday near Villiersdorp and has crossed the mountain pass between the two villages. Wilds said the air force has been asked to make a helicopter available to fight the blaze.