- Cape Town officials warn residents of a 35% increase in vegetation fires as fire season approaches.
- Homeowners are advised to take precautions like clearing dry vegetation and ensuring fire breaks.
- The public plays a crucial role in fire prevention, especially in urban areas prone to wildfires.
As the warmer weather approaches, officials are calling on residents to be mindful of the pending fire season. Between October 2021 and January 2022, the Fire and Rescue Service recorded 5 331 vegetation fires.
During the same period in 2023/24, this number increased to 7 190 – representing an increase of 35%.
“The past summer in particular was a massive drain on resources, particularly in the south peninsula. I think the City’s playbook for vegetation fires is quite well-established, and we are constantly looking to see how we can expand on those resources and existing plans. But it’s important to acknowledge that the public has a role to play. 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,” says Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
- Managing fuel loads by controlling invasive alien plants and trees in their fire break, but also on their property
- Clearing dry leaves, weeds and pine needles from roofs and gutters
- Removing dead branches hanging over roofs and keeping branches at least three metres away from chimneys
- Trimming trees regularly and keeping grass short
- Keeping patio furniture, firewood etc. away from vegetation
- Removing vegetation or other materials that could catch fire from underneath or around decks
- Ensuring fire hydrants are accessible at all times in the event of a fire
Should a fire occur, residents are reminded to close windows to mitigate the risk of smoke or embers entering the home; damp down their garden if there is an immediate threat to their property, but most importantly, to abide by any evacuation instructions from emergency personnel.
Residents are advised to keep a ‘go’ bag ready, just in case they need to evacuate, and to consider alternative sheltering arrangements for their pets in such instances.
- Residents can report any fire-related incidents by phoning the City’s emergency call centre at 021 480 7700 from a cell phone or 107 from a landline.
