This follows warnings from Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Associations (FSUFPA) about anticipated high fire conditions over central and southern parts of Northern Cape, as well as the western parts of the Free State, including the southern and western parts of the North West.

An FSUFPA spokesperson had sent out a message, confirming that the FSUFP is trying to deal with large fires that were reported in the Gariep district.

"The fire that started between Koffiefontein and Petrusburg, is still ongoing. It is virtually sort of into the Mangaung area, and it is close to the N1. It has already burned for over a distance of 70 kilometers, the wind is about to turn west and there have been numerous efforts to contain the spread of the fire."  
Residents have been warned as it has been reported that the fire is expected to continue this morning.

Meanwhile, in the reported burnt area of over 20 000Ha, it was also confirmed that one house was destroyed and this also led to death of livestock. FSUFPA had also earlier warned that fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property, possible loss of human and animal lives.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi