Some of the 17 fires that were raging through the Western Cape on Thursday were under control in the evening, Cape Town chief fire officer Ian Schnetler said.
The blaze in Redhill that started at 9am had been brought under control, he said.
”Firefighters are still battling the blaze at Naval Base as the winds are making the situation worse.
”Some of the smaller runaway bush fires across the province have been put out and firefighters are working around the clock to get all the fires under control,” he said.
Members of the the South African National Defence Force were assisting in controlling 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. He said no residents or property had been affected.
”Temperatures are scorching at 32° 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.
According to the fire department, there had been relatively few runaway fires during November and December fire season, 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 the area 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 7700 or 107 from a cellphone to report fires. – Sapa