Footage shows a wildfire on the edge of Cape Town in South Africa that was threatening to engulf parts of the city.

On Christmas Eve alone, the fire left more than 400 people homeless. Footage shows the huge flames on a hill near the city, with hundreds of firefighters deployed to battle the inferno and evacuate people.

A helicopter dumped ocean water on the forest fire before returning to the shore to refill.

Other videos show multiple other helicopters doing the same in a desperate bid to contain the wildfire. Local media reported that firefighters are still battling blazes in the area.

Local Gunnar Oberhosel said: 'Cape Town is currently experiencing one of its worst fires in recent years. More than 300 firefighters and volunteers have been protecting people and their homes in a never-ending inferno.

'Through the incredible work of the firefighters, no damage to property, human lives or pets has been experienced.'

Local media reported that one neighbourhood in the Simon's Town area of the city had to be evacuated in the middle of the night last week, with a piece of footage showing baboons seeking refuge on the top of the building.

A settlement was also gutted on Christmas Eve, leaving 400 inhabitants homeless, according to reports.