900 firefighters mobilised to curtail WC fire season

Working on Fire (WoF) has announced the mobilisation of 900 firefighters and more than 33 aircraft as the Western Cape officially enters its annual fire season.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) revealed that a staggering 600 vegetation fires were recorded in Cape Town in just one week, even before the official start of the fire season.

Persistent south-easterly winds and high temperatures have already placed firefighting teams under severe pressure.

The spokesperson for Working on Fire, Linton Rensburg, is urging communities to remain alert, noting that the threat of wildfires is escalating beyond traditional seasonal boundaries.

"Already the Working on Fire Kisugu Joint Venture has responded to 92 wildfires during what is traditionally considered the off-season, including 46 fires in the Western Cape between September and November," Rensburg stated.

"This trend confirms that wildfire risk is no longer confined to traditional fire windows, but it has become a year-round climate-driven threat."

Rensburg also warned residents to takeproactive measures to reduce risks around their homes, especially those near vegetation or forestry areas.

"Make sure that you clear your properties of any unnecessary rubble and those properties that are close to vegetation or forestry areas. Clean your gutters and also ensure that you do not have any overhanging trees close to your property."