Fire crews in South Africa were reported to be battling a renewed flare-up of wildfires in Franschhoek, east of Cape Town, after strong winds worsened conditions yesterday.
Local reports said winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour were fuelling the blaze in an area covered with dry, combustible vegetation, while also preventing firefighters from deploying aerial firefighting resources.
Firefighters were quoted as saying that the situation had been aggravated by the fierce winds, especially as eucalyptus forests in the area were engulfed in flames.
The fire, which started on Saturday in the Cape Winelands district, was reported to have already caused severe damage to vineyards, with residents warned to expect heavy smoke and possible evacuation orders as suppression efforts continue.