Seven people are reported to have been killed at Kokstad in southern KwaZulu-Natal and two in the Abaqulusi region near Vryheid in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Thousands of hectares of forest plantation and grazing have been lost in wildfires in several areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
According to KwaZulu-Natal Fire Protection Association operations manager, Mr. Simon Thomas who disclosed that the association has been involved in fighting the fire that broke out on Sunday in the Weza area near Kokstad in southern KwaZulu-Natal and at Melmoth.
Thomas stated that the strong winds expected in the next two days may cause the fires to flare up again.
However, he warned that the risk of runaway field fires in Kwa-Zulu- Natal is very high this time of year.
“Keep your eye on the weather conditions at all times. Watch the weather forecast on the television and in the press. And do not start any fires that you cannot stop. If you are in an area where you have seen a fire, please get hold of your local authorities and report those fires immediately,” He said.