Fires near Cape Town force evacuations – local media reports

Fires in the countryside east of Cape Town forced evacuations, including in the popular resort town of Knysna, on Wednesday (June 7), local media reported. Photo grabbed from Reuters video file.
Fires in the countryside east of Cape Town on Wednesday (June 7). (from Reuters video file)

KNYSNA, South Africa (Reuters) – Fires in the countryside east of Cape Town forced evacuations, including in the popular resort town of Knysna, on Wednesday (June 7), local media reported.

Over two dozen fires were reported in the area, which are home to dense forests, providing plenty of fuel for the spread of wild fires.

A video posted to a social media website showed a building in Knysna burning while flames engulfed the hillsides around the town.

Local media reported that strong winds had fanned the flames as they affected the area renowned for its oysters and rugged coastal scenery.