Christmas Day fire warning issued for Western and Northern Cape

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for extreme fire danger conditions across several provinces for Christmas Day.

High temperatures, combined with dry and windy conditions, are expected in the Matzikama Municipality in the Western Cape. Similar warnings have also been issued for the western and extreme southeastern parts of the Northern Cape.

Forecaster Thabo Magoro says it is advisable not to leave fires unattended under these volatile conditions.

"Due to hot temperatures combined with windy and dry conditions, which can lead to runaway bush fires and veld fires. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of life."