The upmarket Grootbos private nature reserve in the Western Cape, which includes a lodge and conference facilities, has been evacuated in the face of fires burning out of control in the Overberg.
A resident of nearby Gansbaai, Alec Kitley, said people and domestic animals, including horses, were evacuated on Wednesday.
Helicopters were water-bombing the buildings — some of which have thatched roofs — in a bid to save them from the flames.
The acclaimed 1 700ha reserve, which boasts luxury accommodation and views of the Atlantic and the distant Cape of Good Hope, has a staff of 110.
Kitley said the fire was also advancing on the residential area of Gansbaai named De Kelders, where he lives.
At midday, the wind had changed from south-easterly to easterly, which was pushing the fire ”straight at De Kelders”.
”But we should be okay. We’ve got three [South African Air Force] Oryxes and a helicopter from Cape Town and they’re throwing water like crazy,” he said.
Overberg district municipality fire chief Reinard Geldenhuys said earlier on Wednesday the blaze was threatening several towns, including the De Kelders area and Baardskeerdersbos, and several farm houses and holiday resorts.
The fire started on Monday afternoon and has been burning out of control on a wide front. — Sapa