Hundreds Of Firefighters Battle Huge Blaze Threatening City

These images show a huge wildfire on the edge of Cape Town in South Africa that was threatening to engulf parts of the city last week and which is still ongoing and on Christmas Eve alone left 400 people homeless.

The footage, filmed last week, shows the huge flames on a hill near the city, with hundreds of firefighters deployed to battle the inferno and evacuate people.

One piece of footage shows a helicopter dumping ocean water on the forest fire before returning to the shore to refill.

Other videos show multiple other helicopters doing the same in a desperate bid to contain the wildfire.

Gunnar Oberhosel, @theglobetrotterguy/Newsflash

Local media has reported that firefighters are still battling blazes in the area.

Newsflash obtained a statement from Gunnar Oberhosel, who also provided the images.

He said: “Cape Town is currently experiencing one of its worst fires in recent years.

“For the past two days over 300 firefighters and volunteers have been protecting people and their homes in a never-ending inferno.

“Through the incredible work of the firefighters, no damage to property, human lives or pets has been experienced.

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“Currently multiple helicopters are deployed to water bomb areas that are affected by the fire.”

Local media reported that one neighbourhood in the Simon’s Town area of the city had to be evacuated in the middle of the night last week, with a piece of footage showing baboons seeking refuge on the top of the building.

A settlement also gutted on Christmas Eve, leaving 400 inhabitants homeless, according to reports.

Picture shows a firefighter battling the wildfire in Simon’s Town, South Africa, in December, 2023. Residents were evacuated and 300 firefighters were involved. (Gunnar Oberhosel, @theglobetrotterguy/Newsflash)
Picture shows locals watching the wildfire in Simon’s Town, South Africa, in December, 2023. Residents were evacuated and 300 firefighters were involved. (Gunnar Oberhosel, @theglobetrotterguy/Newsflash)
Picture shows the wildfire in Simon’s Town, South Africa, in December, 2023. Residents were evacuated and 300 firefighters were involved. (Gunnar Oberhosel, @theglobetrotterguy/Newsflash)

To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.

Story By: Joana Mihajlovska, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

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