Working On Fire says WC wildfires have become a climate-driven threat

Organisation Working On Fire has said the influx of off-season callouts is a sign that wildfires have become a climate-driven threat.

The Expanded Public Works Programme says it responded to 92 wildfires during the off-season, 46 of those in the Western Cape.

Spokesperson Linton Rensburg said climate change, invasive alien vegetation, and strong winds fuel fires in the province.

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“This trend confirms that wildfire risk is no longer confined to traditional fire windows, but it has become a year-round climate-driven threat. We urge communities to be vigilant during this summer wildfire season.”

Rensburg adds that the organisation has intensified its response for this year's fire season.

“We have mobilised just over 900 firefighters and 22 aircraft in the Western Cape to support landowners, Fire Protection Associations, municipalities, conservation agencies, forestry companies, and the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre.”