A bushfire along the M5 highway in Cape Town, South Africa has brought traffic to a standstill, forcing motorists to turn back.

The roadway was closed in both directions between Race course and Ottery road whilst firefighters battled the blaze fanned by a south easterly wind.

Footage captured on Monday (February 3) shows vehicles on the M5 highway and smoke filling the sky.

The fire started on a vacant field which forms part of the Youngsfield Military Base.

The city of Cape Town tweeted: "The City's Fire and Rescue services team is working to contain the vegetation fire along the M5, near Youngsfield Military Base. 7 firefighting appliances & 52 staff members are on scene. The fire has not been contained and smoke is traveling as far as the CBD. Updates to follow"

A bushfire next to the M5 highway in cape town brought mid day traffic to a standstill forcing motorist to turn back.

The roadway was closed whilst fire fighters battled a blaze fanned by a south easterly wind.

The blaze started on a vacant field which forms part of the youngsfield military base
During the summer season cape town is faced with many fires because of the dry conditions and bushy embankments.