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Firefighters try to contain large fires amid hot, windy weather

In Gordon’s Bay, hotspots are being monitored in case of flare-ups while firefighters do what they can to stop a fire high up on the mountain slopes from spreading towards residential properties.

Pockets of flames continue to burn in Scarborough near Cape Town. Picture: Cindy Archillies/EWN
Pockets of flames continue to burn in Scarborough near Cape Town. Picture: Cindy Archillies/EWN
& Graig-Lee  Smith | 1046 days ago

CAPE TOWN - Firefighters across Cape Town are battling against hot and windy weather conditions while trying to contain two large fires.

In Gordon’s Bay, hotspots are being monitored in case of flare-ups while firefighters do what they can to stop a fire high up on the mountain slopes from spreading towards residential properties.

Meanwhile, progress is being made in containing certain sections of fire in the Scarborough area along the Cape Peninsula.

Some locals stand transfixed watching a long fire line slowly creeping along the borders of private-owned land and Scarborough nature reserve.

Further along Red Hill Road where small pockets of flames are being beaten by ground teams, the fire has at least been contained for now.

WATCH: Cape ablaze: 2 fires ravage WC simultaneously

In Gordon’s Bay, the heavy smoke in the air is a visible reminder of things lost for people whose homes and businesses have burnt down, like Mary-Ann Shearer.

“We’ve lived here for nearly 14 years… we’ve lost everything and we, literally, don’t know what to do.”

Strong winds and hot conditions are posing a threat to both firefighting missions.

ANIMALS SAFE

No animals were injured during the Gordon's Bay fires.

The animal welfare society in Helderberg says they had to evacuate to protect the animals from smoke inhalation.

General manager Julia Evans said: “The smoke was really hectic, and I think a lot of the animals were very nervous… a lot of fear, all that confusion and activity. But, it was the right thing to do, it was right for us to get out of the site. I’ve not opened the site, I will open it on Thursday morning.”

(Edited by Zamangwane Shange)

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