Western Cape firefighting resources under strain as wildfire season costs surpass R2.4m
The Western Cape's firefighting teams are under immense pressure as they manage a surge in wildfires this season.
Image: file
Firefighters resources across the Western Cape are under severe pressure as the province battles an unusually active wildfire season, with aerial firefighting deployments already exceeding R2.4 million this season.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said on Monday that provincial firefighting services are extremely busy, with several wildfires being managed simultaneously over recent days.
"As hot and windy conditions persist, I urge the public to be extra cautious and responsible with any activity that could start a fire.
"A single careless moment can place entire communities and our firefighters at risk. Please report fires immediately, follow safety instructions, and help us prevent further incidents during this dangerous period," said Bredell.
He said the Western Cape continues to experience a high number of wildfires, placing significant strain on firefighting resources across the province.
To date this fire season, provincial aerial firefighting resources, based in George, Bredasdorp, Stellenbosch and Porterville, have been deployed at 23 wildfire incidents, already exceeding R2.4 million in cost, primarily to support ground crews in inaccessible and high-risk areas.
"While final figures are still being consolidated, it is estimated that several thousand hectares of agricultural, conservation and forestry land have been affected by wildfires so far this season," Bredell said.
He urged the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly during periods of high fire danger, stating that most fires are preventable, and responsible behaviour can significantly reduce the risk to lives, property and the environment.
No serious injuries or fatalities have been reported to date, however, several properties have been affected and damaged by these uncontrolled wildfires.
The City's Public Emergency Communication Centre said it logged 100 fire incidents in the past week. An incident included where a suspect threatened to burn down his family's home.
Earlier this month, the Western Cape Government outlined its budget and readiness plans for the 2023/24 Summer, where Bredell confirmed that his office had allocated R17 million for aerial support towards wildfire management this season.
Data from the 2024/25 season showed that 11,149 veld and wildland fires were recorded across the Western Cape.
CapeNature reported 97 fires, affecting more than 75,000 hectares, with their fire suppression costs exceeding R20 million.
During the George Fire and Disaster Management Department official launch for the 2025/26 Fire Season, the demonstration of firefighting resources included the 35,000-litre water tanker, several fire engines, 4x4 skid units, two Jet-RIBs, rubber ducks, command vehicles and a Rescue vehicle, with the total fleet valued at approximately R60 million.
Drakenstein Municipality's Fire and Rescue Services also had their hands full at the weekend, after responding to a second major incident late on Saturday, shortly after attending to the fire at Laborie Estate in Paarl.
Crews were dispatched to a fire in Mbekweni, an informal settlement just outside Paarl, with multiple informal structures ablaze.
Chief Wynand Els, Drakenstein Municipality's Fire Chief, confirmed that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined in Mbekweni.
The cause for the fire at the Laborie Estate is also under investigation, the municipality confirmed.
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