ST FRANCIS BAY - THE FIRE THAT RAVAGED ACROSS THE REGION HAS BEEN CONTAINED

Raging fires that swept through the resort town of Cape St Francis in the Eastern Cape have been contained again after strong winds re-ignited the flames.

The blaze started on Saturday, burning thousands of hectares of veld.

The fire is believed to have started on an Eskom land near Thyspunt. Fire-fighters and volunteers have been dousing flames and monitoring the hotspots.

On Tuesday, strong winds re-ignited the flames which saw fire-fighters and officials desperately trying to douse flames and prevent embers from spreading to the village.

Three unoccupied holiday homes to the west of Cape St Francis at Rebelsrus were completely destroyed.

We lost our cottage...
A local game reserve owner, Derick Cook, was inconsolable as he watched his cottage and land burn down.

“We lost our cottage, we had a double story lapa, we lost bird hides, viewing decks and 200 hectares of indigenous vegetation and
game fencing. We lost game, I had to open up all my fences and let them out.”

The fire was a stark reminder of the 2012 fires in this resort town, which resulted in 76 homes gutted.

The cause of the fire remains unknown however residents say it was caused by a flare. Police are investigating.

VIA - sabc.co.za