It's suspected that two flares set off just after midnight on Tuesday ignited a fire in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Strong winds fanned the flames and the fire reached Pringle Bay. Residents here were evacuated early on Thursday morning when the fire jumped the R44 into the coastal town.

A 59-year-old woman died during the panic, allegedly of a heart attack. Two adults are being treated for serious injuries in a hospital in Hermanus while an 18-month-old baby is being treated for smoke inhalation. 

The fire spanning Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay was contained after being water-bombed by two helicopters on Thursday morning. A fire truck was lost in the flames. Firefighters will continue fighting the flames in the mountains.

A reward has been offered for information that could help identify the cause of the fire. Police arrested a 34-year old man on charges of starting a fire in a national protected area.

eNCA