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Hundreds of firefighters have been battling  wildfires on mountains outside Cape Town.

They claimed Monday to have contained the fire, but that it could take days to put it out. The flames, fueled by high winds, have destroyed several homes and forced residents to evacuate.

52 residents have since been admitted to hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

The fire started on Sunday and was fanned by strong winds, causing it to spread.

Roads in the area have been closed as a result of poor visibility.

Such fires are common in the area when weather conditions are hot and windy, but it has been hotter than usual in recent weeks.

This is is said to be the worst wildfire in the region for many years.