The Western Cape provincial minister for local government and housing, Richard Dyantyi, is waiting for more reports about the Overberg fires before deciding whether it will be declared a disaster area.
”The MEC is assessing the situation and awaiting more reports and recommendations, and will then take it from there,” Dyantyi’s spokesperson Vusi Tshose said on Friday.
Tshose said Dyantyi will make a recommendation to the premier’s office.
The fire, which has been raging in the Overberg since Monday, has so far claimed 455 square kilometres of farmland and bush.
The fire was under control on Friday morning, with rain helping to cool the scorched earth.
Firefighters were being sent home for a well-deserved rest.
Fire chief Reinard Geldenhuys was assessing the extent of the damage by helicopter.
On Wednesday, the fire claimed a lodge and four chalets at the upmarket, 1 700ha Grootbos private nature reserve outside Gansbaai. — Sapa