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South Africa: Cape Town wildfires contained

Cape Town

Firefighters have managed to contain much 106 vegetation blazes which has been raging in the Helderberg area in Cape Town, South Africa.

Several properties have reportedly been evacuated as a precaution on the fires along the Helderberg Mountains which had been burning since Tuesday morning.

More than 120 firefighters, 12 fire engines, 10 water tankers and aircraft had been deployed to battle the flames, against the strong southeasterly winds which contributed to the rapid spread of the fires.

The cause of the fires is still unknown, but a similar incident in 2015 and the cause was determined to have been arson.

Meanwhile, social media has played a crucial role in co-ordinating the much needed assistance to the fire-fighters as calls for assistance spread on WhatsApp groups and Facebook.

Several supermarket chains not only made sandwiches but opened their doors late at night to donate whatever was needed.

The community itself jumped at the opportunity to assist and delivered water, food and other necessities like sunblock, eye drops and lip balm at drop off points.