Cape Town is ramping-up its fire prevention efforts as summer approaches, following a 35% increase in vegetation fires. Residents near the urban edge are being called on to maintain buffer zones, while fire services prepare for a challenging season. Experts warn of escalating wildfire risks due to climate change, emphasising the need for community vigilance and proactive measures. According to the City’s mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, last summer tested their resources, particularly in the south peninsula. More on this Surge in wildfires highlights urgent need for enhanced prevention strategies Urgent call for enhanced fire prevention strategies amid record wildfires in 2024 Guests evacuated after fire at Kruger National Park rest camp Heat wave: Over 3,000 firefighters on standby for elevated fire risks this weekend He said the City has a solid plan for handling vegetation fires and is always looking for ways to enhance their resources and strategies. “Living on the urban edge comes with great responsibility and property owners must ensure that their properties are safeguarded, in the event of fire. “That responsibility also extends to ensuring that they aren’t responsible for starting a fire,” he said.
Between October 2021 and January 2022, the fire and rescue service logged 5 331 vegetation fires. Fast-forward to the same period in 2023/24, that number shot up to 7 190, which is a 35% increase. According to Working on Fire’s Kishugu Joint Venture, the 2024 winter fire season hit alarming new levels. As of October 17, the organisation has tackled 2 277 wild land fires, which is more than the 2 270 wildfires recorded in 2017. “This marks a critical moment, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced fire prevention and response strategies, making this our worst wildfire year in eight years. “This year’s unprecedented surge in wildfires highlights the escalating conditions driven by climate change and other factors that are making wildfires more frequent and severe. “A detailed analysis shows a concerning trend: the number of wild land fires has spiked dramatically in recent years, with 2024 setting a new peak,” it said. Volunteer Wildfire Service CEO, Claire Lötter, said over 20 000 “fire hours” were recorded last year. “After the wet winter we have experienced, we are expecting yet another busy fire season and as always, we need the public to be vigilant and continue assisting us and doing their part,” she said. Lötter added: “Fires are close to our hearts in the Western Cape and as always the public play an important role, and we urge the public to use the official media sites for important information and updates on active fires.” Residents are urged to take charge of fuel loads by tackling invasive plants and trees in their fire breaks, regularly trimming trees, and maintaining short grass. Smith emphasised the importance of everyone staying vigilant, not just those living near the wild land-urban interface. “To the public in general, I want to ask that they report any signs of fire, no matter how big or small. Don’t assume that someone else has made that call,” Smith said.
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