Large Fire Burning at South African Parliament

The extent of the damage was not immediately clear on Sunday morning, but officials feared it would be extensive.

CAPE TOWN — A large fire was burning at South Africa’s Houses of Parliament early Sunday morning, sending flames and smoke pouring from rooftops and fire crews racing to save the historic structures.

The scale of the destruction was not immediately clear, but officials warned it was likely to be extensive.

“The damage will be significant, especially if it’s not contained soon,” JP Smith, Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, told the Newzroom Afrika satellite channel. “The fact that they’re calling for more resources to assist is not a good sign.”