Picture: Dane Shaw via Facebook
IT is suspected that the fires at Cape St Francis were started by a flare and a case of arson has been opened with the South African Police Service, according to the Kouga Municipality.
Their latest report states that several houses, as well as the Cape St Francis Resort, were under threat during the night, but no houses have burnt down.
At 8am this morning it was reported that fire-fighters remain on red alert and are fighting fires among the houses at Cape St Francis.
Media liaison officer Laura-Leigh Randall said: “We cannot say at this stage that the fire in the veld is under control because the wind plays a big role. However, it is looking better than it did last night.”
According to police, an inquest docket was opened to determine the cause of fire.
“The police have since opened an inquiry, which is to investigate the cause of fire, and not a case of arson as it was initially reported.
At this stage, the police are not in possession of any information that could have sparked the fire in the area,” the statement read.
There has been no official evacuation, but residents have been preparing to do so while others have already sought refuge elsewhere just in case.
“Electricity to Cape St Francis has been restored but we cannot guarantee that it will remain on, depending on what the fire does,” Randall added.
Anyone who can/wants to assist, can phone the control room at 042 291 0250 or 042 200 8330.
“Our biggest need is for bottled water for the fire-fighters,” Randall said.
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