The fires which raged around Somerset West over the last three days have caused damage worth over R50 million.

Seven houses and other dwellings were gutted.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety in the City of Cape Town, JP Smith, says fire fighting vehicles were also caught up in the fire.

“Three large structures and a number of outbuildings were gutted. About seven structures in total, the three structures include one dwelling also the Bezweni Lodge which is probably where the bulk of that cost lies. We also lost one of our 4×4 fire fighting vehicles that got trapped on one part between trees when the wind direction turned and burnt out completely. Luckily there was no loss of life.”

Meanwhile, Overberg Fire Chief, Reinhard Geldenhuys, says teams are continuing efforts to extinguish a vegetation fire at Grabouw. He says cooler conditions are expected on Friday and this should have a positive impact on firefighting.

The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve in the Helderberg has been closed due to heavy smoke in the region.

A grass fire which broke out on Signal Hill in the Cape Peninsula on last night has been extinguished.

Efforts were made more difficult by strong winds, but firefighters were able to douse the flames.

No damage to property has been reported.