A FIRE in the Drakenstein mountains in the Western Cape hit the Franschhoek valley on Wednesday, destroying workers’ cottages and forcing their evacuation. The air force said three helicopters from 22 Squadron are assisting nature conservation authorities for a second day. The fire, which has been burning for over two weeks now, forced the closure of the Franschhoek pass and the road to Villiersdorp. Firefighters are now complaining of exhaustion and say their fire engines are beginning to break down throiugh overuse.
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