Firefighters and choppers are battling challenging conditions to contain an extensive vegetation fire at Ruitersbos in the Southern Cape.
Working On Fire spokesperson Lauren Howard says a spotter plane, fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters have been roped in to water-bomb the area.
She says more than 100 members of a Working On Fire ground crew have joined forces with other firefighting agencies and local farmers.
No injuries have been reported at this stage.
Howard says authorities are assessing the area after the fire jumped the Robinson Pass between Mosselbay and Oudtshoorn.
“Firefighters from the Eden District and farmers are putting in all efforts to bring the Ruitersbos fire under control. The main focus of the day is to secure the plantation and the eastern flank of the Robinson Pass where aerial resources and firefighters are active. Firefighters are working in extreme conditions as the weather is not favourable at this stage. The extent of the burn is not yet determined,” says Howard.
