EASTERN CAPE - RAGING ST FRANCIS BAY FIRE LEAVES 8 HOUSES DESTROYED IN IT'S WAKE

A raging bush fire has destroyed at least eight homes at St Francis Bay on Thursday.

The fire flared up at around 3 pm this morning and engulfed the properties in a matter of minutes. Kouga Municipality Firefighters are on the scene and have asked for back up the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality which is also sending a helicopter for air support.

Spokesperson Laura-Leigh Randall says by the time they were alerted three houses were already on fire.

An eye-witness Janet Van der Merwe told Algoa FM news that she saw thick smoke in the area when minutes later she saw a house on fire.

She says her colleagues went to another area where they witnessed two more thatched roof homes burning down.

Several roleplayers including the Nasional Sea Rescue Institute have rushed to the scene to offer assistance.

via - ALGOAFM