Cape fires leave Dale Steyn & Faf du Plessis worried
Steyn & Faf, who both live in areas affected by the fires, are concerned at the damage it may cause.
JOHANNESBURG - South African cricket players in Australia are concerned by the widespread fires in the Cape's Southern Peninsula, which has already seen hundreds being forced to leave their homes.
Dozens of firefighters have been battling blazes that have spread from Boyes Drive in Muizenberg all the way to the Sun Valley area.
Fast bowler Dale Steyn and batsman Faf du Plessis, who both have houses in the affected areas, have taken to Twitter to share their concerns.
Massive fire behind my house in Stonehurst! Plz be safe and watch out for the mountain animals trying to escape it, porcupines, tortoises...
- Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 1, 2015
These little animals will also need ur help! Hope the homes don't get hit! pic.twitter.com/het4JQIZJ9
- Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 1, 2015
Crazy mountain fire near my new house.hope they can stop the fire before it does more damage. @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/823s5er21t
- Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) March 1, 2015
More than 100 firefighters have been dispatched to fight the multiple blazes, with strong winds fanning flames and preventing water bombing helicopters from targeting the area.
An old age home in the Noordhoek area has also been evacuated as a precaution while officials say a number of homes have been damaged.
Teammate Farhaan Behardien said a mountain fire burning behind the homes of Steyn and Du Plessis won't disrupt the team's preparations ahead of Tuesday's World Cup clash with Ireland.
Meanwhile, locals say it's been a stressful few hours.
"I'm watching these huge flames which are terribly close to my house. I am actually quite frightened."
"It's really scary, the flames are still high and the situation is dire."
At the same time, a Noordhoek resident says onlookers are hampering firefighting operations.
"If you're not actively involved in saving your property or assisting then please, this is not the time for spectators."
