Proteas send best wishes to fire zone

A mountain fire burning behind the homes of star South African cricketers Dale Steyn and Faf du Plessis won't disrupt the team's preparations ahead of Tuesday's World Cup clash with Ireland, says teammate Farhaan Behardien.

The fire, which lit up the Muizenberg Mountains area in Cape Town overnight, has already damaged at least four homes, while other houses have been evacuated.

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Images of the fire were shared across social media

More than 100 firefighters have been dispatched to fight the blaze, with strong winds fanning flames and preventing water bombing helicopters from targeting the area.

"Crazy mountain fire near my new house. Hope they can stop the fire before it does more damage," Tweeted batsman du Plessis on the eve of the Canberra clash.

Paceman Steyn, who will play his 100th ODI on Tuesday, also took to social media on several occasions to express concern: "Massive fire behind my house in Stonehurst! Plz be safe and watch out for the mountain animals trying to escape."

And: "Hope the homes don't get hit!"

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The South African players are concerned, but remained focused

However South Africa all-rounder Farhaan Behardien says he's confident the fire won't distract the duo ahead of their Manuka Oval match against Ireland, who have surprised many by starting their tournament with two wins.

"They have people looking after that back in Cape Town," he said.

"Of course it does affect you in some sort of way, but we have quite a strong support structure around us.

"If there is any opportunity to help them out, be that comforting shoulder or whatever, we'll do so.

"But I don't foresee it being a problem."

South Africa enter the clash on the back of a resounding win against the West Indies.

Their captain AB de Villiers starred in that SCG match by blasting 162 off 66 balls.

Manuka Oval is traditionally a batsman's paradise - as seen with Chris Gayle's 215 runs off 147 balls last week - and Behardien is excited by the prospect of de Villiers teeing off once more.

"He is a level above. He takes the game forward," he said.

"I wouldn't want to be in the bowling analysis meetings when planning for AB de Villiers."