George - Raging wildfires have killed seven people including a baby and a pregnant woman in a farming settlement along the Garden Route, disaster management services said Monday.
Firefighters have been battling to quell the blazes that started last week along the southern tourist trail.
"So far we have confirmed that there are seven fatalities of which one is woman who was eight-months pregnant," Colin Deiner, head of Western Cape provincial disaster management services, told AFP.
He added that a baby was among the dead.
#GeorgeFire Update
Outeniqua Pass remains closed until further notice.
STATUS OF FIRE
Residents living on the borders of the town and forest are requested to voluntarily evacuate their homes due to danger of smoke inhalation. The fire remains active on the slopes. pic.twitter.com/YDReISbreH
— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) October 29, 2018
"They were trapped in Farleigh, it's a small settlement in the mountains between George and Knysna," he said.
#GeorgeFires Evacuations have been called for the informal settlements in Blanco, Golden Valley and Step Aside, as well as in Barrie Road, Fernridge. @TheCapeArgus @IOL
— Marvin Charles (@MarvinCharles17) October 29, 2018
"That's where we found the bodies today."
Deiner said the fires have burnt around 16,600 hectares and had forced a precautionary evacuation of three suburbs, housing more than 1,500 people.
#GeorgeFire400 firefighters are currently battling to contain the blaze. The WC department of social development is also assisting with relief efforts. MEC Anton Bredell says over 16 600 hectares have already been destoyed. @TheCapeArgus @IOL
— Marvin Charles (@MarvinCharles17) October 29, 2018