A fire that started on Saturday was out of control on Baines Kloof Pass in the Western Cape on Thursday morning, having already destroyed about 600ha of plantation and fynbos.
”Our people have been battling right through the night to try and contain the flames,” said Cape Winelands executive mayor Clarence Johnson.
Farm workers in the area were evacuated from their quarters overnight as the blaze came close to some houses.
Johnson said he has requested the help of the South African Air Force.
Firefighters in the region have been stretched this week as they helped to put out other fires.
Johnson said he believes the fire, which started at Antoniesvlei, could have been caused by arson.
”We have asked the police to look into it.”
A helicopter has been fighting the blaze since 6.30am on Thursday.
Johnson said the bush is extremely flammable as the area last experienced good rains in June. — Sapa