Authorities say a large veldfire in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, has been contained after the blaze ignited on Thursday.

Overberg District Municipality Fire Chief Reinard Geldenhuys says several crews have been called in as well as aerial support to assist firefighting efforts.

Landowners and neighbours have also been working alongside fire fighting crews.

An overhead Eskom power line has been damaged affecting residents in Bredasdorp and surrounding areas in the Overberg region.

Authorities are working to restore electricity in affected areas. He says more than 1 500 hectares have burnt.

“90% of our lines have been contained during the night with final lines being pulled earlier this morning. Right now fresh crews are being brought in. We are focusing on holding the line on the Southern side of the mountain to prevent it from going towards Bredasdorp Town as well as holding and improving all our other lines,” says Geldenhuys.

“Aerial resources have been brought on sight again to be on close standby and ground teams deployed in the areas. We would just like to again thank everyone who donated and all the land owners that participated and assisted, it is much appreciated,” he adds.

Western Cape – R319 Route: ROAD CLOSED Bredasdorp / Struisbaai due to a large fire in the area pic.twitter.com/H11Ie4ucRx

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