Reinforcements have been sent to help bring under control the Lourensford fire in Somerset West.

The City’s Fire and Rescue Service says over 120 staff have been deployed. Strong winds overnight resulted in the blaze spreading – some of it reaching areas that are inaccessible. Several homeowners have also evacuated from the Erinvale Golf Estate.

However, fire authorities have sought to assure residents of affected areas that crews have been positioned strategically to protect property.

An incident management team has also been established to deal with the situation. The fire has been ranging since Wednesday and it comes as the Cape braces for a cold front that is expected to make land fall on Sunday.

A strong north-westerly wind with gusts of up to 80km/h is predicted.