Pringle bay fire
'I've made peace with my loss': Overstrand victims pick up pieces after fire
The victims of the fires in the Overstrand region of the Western Cape are counting their losses and attempting to move on with their lives.
While fire crews are still battling to put out the flames in Franskraal and Hermanus, mop-up operations continue in Betty's Bay.
More than 30 houses were destroyed and 28 damaged in Overstrand wildfires.
The Western Cape's Overberg region has been ravaged by wildfires since the turn of the new year. Firefighting efforts have been hindered by strong winds and inaccessibility to some areas and have led to the destruction of property and the devastation of hectares of land.
The alleged firestarter, Shelton April, will appear in court again next week. A Pringle Bay woman died from smoke inhalation during the blaze.
The Kogel Bay Resort had to be evacuated earlier on Monday as the fire moved dangerously close to the facility.
Late on Sunday, the massive fire was contained in Betty's Bay, Rooi Els, Pringle Bay and Kogel Bay.
The fire resulted in the death of a 59-year-old woman in Pringle Bay on Wednesday morning.
Overstand officials say that the fire in Betty's Bay, Rooi Els and Pringle Bay has been contained.
It's being speculated the fire was sparked by a flare on New Year's Eve.
Police say the alleged firestarter will make his first appearance in the Caledon Magistrates Court on Monday.
A postmortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
A woman died and at least two other people have been been injured in the blaze.
The blaze which started on New Year's Eve is believed to have been sparked by a flare.
Overstrand fire chief Lester Smith says that is being speculated the blaze was sparked by a flare.
The blaze broke out on New Year's Eve and is being fanned by strong winds.
Some residents had to be evacuated and the R43 was closed due to the heavy smoke affecting visibility.
A house was destroyed & two other properties damaged as some residents feared for their families & properties amid the blaze.