Wildfires continue raging in Cape Town peninsula

A series of wildfires continued raging in the southern peninula of Cape Town on Tuesday despite intensified efforts to bring the fires under control.

The fires, which started on Sunday, have forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents and damaged dozens of homes, authorities said.

Three mass care centres have been set up to accommodate those who have been displaced, the City of Cape Town said.

Helicopters were seen water-bombing the fires which have put several properties under siege.

The firefighting effort involved the city's Fire and Rescue Service, Disaster Risk Management and Environmental Resource Management staff and volunteers, Table Mountain National Park, Working On Fire volunteers, Wild Land Fire Services and the Volunteer Wildfire Services.

"This has been a massive effort thus far and I commend all of the agencies involved for their hard work in trying to save lives and property," said the city's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday praised the bravery and hard work of the fire-fighters who have been working day and night to arrest the blazing fires.

The fires were believed to be ignited by a cigarette butt. Endi