Firefighters battling a massive blaze that started in the mountains above Hermanus, and was driven into the town by howling winds, were "praying for rain" on Tuesday night.
At least three houses were gutted and although no injuries were reported, an 89-year-old woman narrowly escaped from her burning home...
Kritzinger said the cause of the fire was unknown, but there were rumours that a group of squatters camping in the mountains on Monday night may have started the blaze.
"We can't be certain that's what we suspect," Kritzinger said.
He said the fire had started in the mountains, just opposite the Gateway shopping centre.
The wind had also carried the fire through the Northcliff and Hermanus Heights areas, he said.
Kritzinger said about 250 police, law enforcement and fire brigade officers - assisted by local security companies and volunteers from the nearby Overberg Municipality - were battling the blaze and he expected their efforts to continue "through the night".
"We're hoping for rain, praying for rain," he said.
No serious injuries had been reported, although some rescue personnel had suffered smoke inhalation or got smoke in their eyes, said Kritzinger.
Firefighters battled in hot, windy conditions throughout the afternoon.
"The blaze is so hot you can feel all the dust and hot sand coming to you," said Ferove Suliman, a former firefighter who volunteered to help.
Residents out in the streets watched firefighters trying to put out small blazes and smouldering patches of grass and flora. - Cape Times
At least three houses were gutted and although no injuries were reported, an 89-year-old woman narrowly escaped from her burning home...
Kritzinger said the cause of the fire was unknown, but there were rumours that a group of squatters camping in the mountains on Monday night may have started the blaze.
"We can't be certain that's what we suspect," Kritzinger said.
He said the fire had started in the mountains, just opposite the Gateway shopping centre.
"Totally outrageous"winds had pushed the fire from the mountain into the new harbour area of Hermanus where three thatched-roof houses were gutted, said Kritzinger.
The wind had also carried the fire through the Northcliff and Hermanus Heights areas, he said.
Kritzinger said about 250 police, law enforcement and fire brigade officers - assisted by local security companies and volunteers from the nearby Overberg Municipality - were battling the blaze and he expected their efforts to continue "through the night".
"We're hoping for rain, praying for rain," he said.
No serious injuries had been reported, although some rescue personnel had suffered smoke inhalation or got smoke in their eyes, said Kritzinger.
Firefighters battled in hot, windy conditions throughout the afternoon.
"The blaze is so hot you can feel all the dust and hot sand coming to you," said Ferove Suliman, a former firefighter who volunteered to help.
Residents out in the streets watched firefighters trying to put out small blazes and smouldering patches of grass and flora. - Cape Times
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