Six firemen have died after being trapped by a raging wildfire in eastern South Africa, bringing the total number of deaths to 14.
Three female firemen were murdered on Sunday after they were caught in a fire that officials think was sparked by poachers around 40 kilometers (24 miles) from Pietermaritzburg.
Three more died later at the hospital, according to uMngeni municipality Mayor Chris Pappas. One more was battling for his life in the hospital.
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Pappas informed the media that the blaze was likely caused by poachers who use flames to frighten animals away.
The six people killed were members of a private group hired by Sappi Forests to provide firefighting and forestry services, the business said.
"The adverse weather conditions contributed to uncontrollable fires which ultimately trapped eight members of the team," Sappi said in a statement.
"In the tragic events that ensued, three firefighters were unable to escape and suffered fatal wounds at the scene." Three people with serious burns were evacuated to a hospital but died later, the report claimed.
A provincial official told AFP that the number of individuals who died in wildfires in various regions of KwaZulu-Natal since July 6 has reached 14, with warnings of fire hazards owing to dry, hot, and windy weather.
