Cape Town fires: Aerial resources roped in firefighting efforts

CAPE TOWN - Aerial resources have joined the firefighting effort in the South Peninsula. 

More than 250 firefighters are battling the mountain blaze that flared up on Sunday. 

Resources have been called in from the Garden Route to bolster local crews. 

As the mist cleared over Elephant's Eye, water bombing choppers appeared on the fire line near Chrysalis Academy. 

READ: Cape Town fires: Firefighters bracing for change in wind conditions

Choppers can't douse fast enough before new lines emerge, fanned by the strong winds.

In Zwaanswyk, resident Christine Croates and her husband are evacuating after securing their home from the fire threat overnight.

"It's traumatic. We stayed as long as we could, dampening down the garden and the structure of the house. Eventually, the fire people said we must evacuate. We couldn't breathe, the smoke was so bad."

Dense smoke still veils the Deep South. 

So far, 3000 hectares of vegetation have been scorched. 

Tokai and Silvermine hiking trails remain closed until further notice.