'Fire safety is everyone's business', says CoCT's JP Smith as city gears up for fire season

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town said vegetation fires usually occur more frequently as the temperature starts rising.

The city said a review of incidents between October and January showed a steady increase in the number of vegetation fires over the past three years.

In December 2023, vast tracts of land in the South Peninsula were affected by fires, keeping firefighters on the frontlines for more than a week.

"We are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at our fire readiness programme, but we need the same energy from our residents," said the city's safety and security MMC, JP Smith.

"It bears repeating that fire safety is everyone's business. Consider your actions at all times, whether making a braai fire or how you put out your cigarette."