Eastern Cape motorists advised to be cautious as veld fires rage on

Motorists driving on the N6 in Komani in the Eastern Cape have been warned to be extra cautious of the thick smoke caused by the veld fires resulting in impaired visibility on the road.

Authorities say they are on high alert following advanced veld fires that have hit the province.

Chris Hani District Municipality Spokesperson Bulelwa Ganyaza says firefighters are busy trying to contain the fire at Lawrance de Lange Game Reserve and nearby mountains.

Ganyaza says the extreme windy conditions exacerbate the spread of the runaway fires, making it difficult to quell.

Thousands of hectares have been destroyed since the start of the fires at Enoch Mgijima, Emalahleni and Intsika Yethu Local municipalities.

Meanwhile, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform says it is concerned that veld fires have affected food security and the fight against high levels of poverty.

Farmers in the province have been widely affected as they have lost livestock, infrastructure and hectors of land.

VIDEO | Eastern C ape veld fires affect food security: