CapeNature urges vigilance as wildfire season approaches in the Western Cape
CapeNature is calling on the public to stay alert and proactive as the wildfire season gears up.
Image: John Murry / Volunteer Wildfire Services
As the wildfire season looms in the Western Cape, CapeNature is calling on residents and visitors to stay alert and proactive. The organisation emphasises the urgent need to comprehend the devastating consequences of runaway fires, which threaten not only the environment but also the lives and livelihoods of local communities.
“When a fire breaks out, everyone pays the price, whether through lives lost, infrastructure destroyed, or biodiversity harmed,” stated Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature. This message underscores the reality that wildfires are not merely an environmental concern; they pose a significant threat to communities and economies alike.
The statistics from the 2024/25 fire season are alarming. CapeNature’s expenditure on fire suppression alone exceeded R20 million, with extensive damage inflicted upon both public and private infrastructure. Legal claims for damages accrued to over R300 million, illustrating just how deeply these fires impact the region’s financial and ecological landscape. The entity reported a staggering total of 97 fires that scorched more than 75,000 hectares of land, a significant portion of which included critical habitats for biodiversity. Notably, 42% of the affected land was privately owned, while 58% was managed by CapeNature.
However, the true cost of wildfires extends far beyond mere financial figures. They take lives, force families to flee their homes, and wreak havoc on delicate ecosystems. In the past fire season, the aftermath of these destructive blazes not only led to immediate displacement and despair but also fundamentally weakened the ecological resilience upon which both wildlife and human communities depend.
CapeNature has demonstrated a robust commitment to fire management across all lands by working tirelessly to contain blazes before they spiral out of control. "Wildfires are naturally occurring events, but the increasing frequency and severity of human-caused fires pose an unsustainable threat. Alarmingly, only 19.5% of the fires last season originated from natural causes, indicating that proactive prevention strategies are vital," Dr Naidoo added.
CapeNature encourages everyone to participate in fire prevention by adopting simple yet effective habits such as never leaving open flames unattended, correctly disposing of cigarette butts, and creating defensible spaces around properties. It’s a communal approach to fire safety that can save lives.
This season, CapeNature is taking action to enhance public awareness through its new initiative, Fire Fridays with Kai and Friends. This social media series aims to provide families, schools, and communities with engaging, practical tips for fire awareness and prevention on a weekly basis. By making fire safety knowledge accessible, CapeNature hopes to create a culture of vigilance and responsibility within the community.
CapeNature reiterated the importance of cooperative responsibility in fire management, urging all individuals to raise their awareness during this crucial period. If prevention efforts fall short, rapid detection remains the next line of defence; they encourage reporting any signs of smoke or fire immediately by dialling 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 from a landline.
Together, through proactive engagement and vigilance, citizens can help protect the Western Cape’s people, properties, and precious natural heritage.