The devastating fires ravaging the Southern Cape has so far claimed lives, reported Netwerk24.

Three people died in a fire at Rheenendal near Knysna.

A fourth perished of a heart attack linked to the fires.

They have not been named.Massive fires helped on by gale force winds have ripped through large parts of the Southern Cape and Klein Karoo.

The N2 between Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield remains closed. According to Gerhard Otto, head of rescue services at Eden Municipality, a farm worker, his wife and their son burnt to death at Rheenendal.

A temporary control room has been established at Knysna’s fire station.

In Knysna a school residence, church and houses have burnt down so far. Residents are seeking refuge at the yacht club on the lake.

At least 26 fires have caused massive damage to the tourist town with at least 50 houses, including guest houses, burnt down.

Telephone connections to the Knysna municipality broke down due to the fires.