Pretoria – As fire fighters continue to battle the blaze in Cape Town, President Jacob Zuma has praised the bravery and hard work of the men and women who have been working around the clock to contain the inferno.
The fire has been raging since the early hours of Sunday.
“We praise the bravery and professionalism of all our fire fighters who are attending to this raging fire to save lives and stop the damage to property and our prestigious natural environment, putting their own lives at risk in the process.
“Given their determination, I am certain that all our Emergency Management Services personnel deployed to quell this fire will emerge safe and victorious,” said President Zuma.
Hundreds of fire fighters have been battling the blaze and dozens more arrived on Chapman’s Peak Drive on Monday afternoon.
In addition, assistance has been sought from fire fighters from Working on Fire.
The City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said they are now focusing on protecting property in the nearby surroundings.
At least 10 private homes, an old-age home and a retirement village have been evacuated in Noordhoek.
Three mass care centres have been set up to accommodate those who have been displaced at the Dutch Reformed Church in Kommetjie Road, Fish Hoek; the Dutch Reformed campsite in Noordhoek and Fish Hoek Community Hall.
Chapman’s Peak Drive remains closed, while Boyes Drive is partially closed between Old Boyes Drive and the golf course. Ou Kaapse Weg also remains closed due to poor visibility.
More than 250 fire fighters are currently on the scene. Other resources dispatched include 28 fire fighting vehicles, 18 support vehicles, four helicopters, two fixed-wing aircrafts from Working on Fire, a spotter plane and 50 Working on Fire ground crew. – SAnews.gov.za
