Huge fire engulfs St Francis Bay

2012-11-11 20:30

(Deon Ferreira, Die Burger)

Cape Town -  A huge fire, fanned by strong winds and burning out of control, destroyed scores of houses in St Francis Bay on Sunday.

The fire was jumping from house to house along the canals to the sea, the NSRI said.

The fire apparently started at Royal Wharf late afternoon where some people were having a braai, a fireman told the St Francis Chronicle.

The Chronicle's editor told eNCA that firefighters were "overwhelmed" by the sheer extent of the fire. 

Most of the houses on the canals have thatch roofs, making it even more difficult to contain the flames.

Up to 60 houses are said to have been destroyed already.

The NSRI sent out an SOS for assistance.

"We need help!!

 "Anyone able and willing who can assist, please pop down to the old fire station and offer your services or call Marc May on 082 956 7981."


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Picture: Craig Jarvis via Twitter