Weather conditions in recent days underscore the challenges lying in wait for firefighters and other emergency services this summer. The City is shoring up its defences, but reminds the public that it is a shared responsibility.
Cape Town faces a range of fire risks. In summer, vegetation fires are more prevalent as a result of hot, dry and windy weather conditions. Over the past few years, there has been an upward trend. Between October 2021 and January 2022 the Fire and Rescue Service recorded 5 331 vegetation fires. The number has increased every summer since to 7 480 vegetation fires in 2024-’25, a 40% increase.
Pressure
“The pressure is relentless,” said Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith. “The Fire Service also responds to structural fires and a range of other emergencies, from motor vehicle accidents to hazmat incidents and even water rescues where needed. And, the same weather conditions that promote the spread of wildfires, also increase the risk of devastating fires in our informal settlements.
“The City has, over time, invested heavily into our firefighting response, including seasonal reinforcements like wildland firefighters and aerial support. The public can lend a hand by being alert to fire risks, behaving responsibly to reduce the risk of fires and other emergencies, and by reporting incidents as soon as possible, to reduce the impacts. The Fire and Rescue Service will have the following resources available for summer; fire crews on duty at all 32 City fire stations, 24/7, to deal with any type of emergency
- Aerial firefighting support from 1 December in the form of two Huey helicopters
- A fixed wing light spotter aircraft to provide assistance to the Command & Control Centre during veld fires
- 96 Wildland Firefighters that will be strategically deployed to cover those areas prone to runaway vegetation fires. This will also free up our on-duty staff to attend to other types of emergencies.The Fire and Rescue Service also forms part of the City’s inter departmental Festive Season operational meetings that oversees and implements the Festive Season Safety Plan.
The public is reminded to report any fires or other risks to life or property to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.”
