Runaway fires hit Free State

Runaway fires hit Free State

The fire that started between Koffiefontein and Petersburg, is still ongoing. It is reportedly close to the Mangaung area, and it is close to N1.

Fire-fighting teams work to keep the fire from crossing Philip Kgosana Drive, one of the main arterial roads into the city centre, threatening the suburb of Walmer Estate, after a forest fire burns out of control on the foothills of Table Mountain in Cape
AFP

At least three wildfires were reported in the Free State on Monday night.


This follows warnings from Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Associations (FSUFP) about anticipated high fire risk conditions over central and southern parts of Northern Cape, as well as the western parts of the Free State, including south and western parts of the North West.


An FSUFP spokesperson had sent out a message, confirming that the FSUFP is trying to deal with large fires that were reported in the Gariep district.


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"The fire that started between Koffiefontein and Petersburg, is still ongoing. It is virtually...into the Mangaung area, and it is close to N1," they said. 


"It has already burned for over a distance of 70 kilometers, the wind is about to turn west and there have been numerous efforts to contain the spread of the fire."  


Residents have been warned as it has been reported that the fire spread incident is expected to continue this morning.


In the reported burnt area of over 20 000Ha, it was also confirmed that one house was destroyed and this also led to the death of livestock.


FSUPA had also earlier warned that fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property, possible loss of human and animal lives.

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