Seventeen runaway fires were ravaging the Western Cape on Thursday afternoon, with the two most serious blazes at Simonstown, Cape Town chief fire officer Ian Schnetler said on Thursday.
The two fires were reported at Redhill at 9am and at Naval Base at 11am and were burning strongly, he said.
”The fires are still not under control and firefighters, together with the South African National Defence Force, are battling to control the blazes.
”Helicopters are being used to waterbomb the fires and measures have been put in place to protect property and the environment,” he said.
The cause of the fires was unknown and the fire department was investigating.
No residents or property had been affected.
Schnetler said November till February was regarded as the ”fire season” in the Western Cape.
”Temperatures are scorching at 32 degrees Celsius and the next few days are going to be crucial with runaway fires as temperatures are set to increase.
”All our manpower is on call to assist with the situation,” he said.
Small fires were burning in Milnerton, Durbanville, Strandfontein and several other areas.
According to the fire department there had been relatively few runaway fires during November and December, but they had picked up in late January.
Five firemen were injured, six Scarborough houses were destroyed and 70 people were affected after runaway bush fires ravaged Scarborough on January 25 .
Schnetler warned residents in the area to be cautious during this year’s fire season.
”People should not be throwing matches, cigarette butts or lighting fires.”
Residents were advised to call the Cape Town Metropole Emergency Centre on 021 480 700 or 107 from a cellphone to report fires. — Sapa