Firefighter killed in Cedarberg

CAPE TOWN - A municipal firefighter has died in a large vegetation fire currently raging 10km outside Clanwilliam in the Cedarberg region.

Officials found the firefighter's burnt body on the Pakhuis Pass on Thursday morning.

Four planes, a helicopter and several fire fighters have been battling the blaze, which also destroyed five structures, since Wednesday.

At least 30 tourists had to be evacuated from a country lodge.

Western Cape Health EMS spokesperson Darren Francis says, “Upon going through the remains our EMS found a body. A full autopsy report will be done.”

It is also understood the fire has gutted at least five structures.

The Western Cape Local Government Department's Peter Pullen says, “On Wednesday night disaster management teams evacuated 30 tourists. The fire erupted late yesterday afternoon and it became out of control in the evening.”

- EWN