Public urged to exercise caution amid surging wildfire risks in Western Cape

The Western Cape government has urged the public to be extra cautious with activities that could start damaging wildfires.

Firefighting services have been busy battling several wildfires in the province over the last few days, including fires in the Overberg region and Kommetjie on Monday.

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The province's reports show provincial aerial firefighting costs have already exceeded R2.4 million to assist in 23 wildfires since the start of the fire season in November.

The Western Cape government said that the high number of wildfires in the province has placed significant strain on firefighting resources.

Provincial aerial firefighting resources were deployed to 23 wildfire incidents, exceeding R2.4 million in cost, to support firefighters in high-risk areas.

Western Cape Disaster Management Centre head Colin Deiner has urged the public to be cautious.

"We are expecting the hot and windy conditions to continue into the Christmas and New Year weekends, and we urge the public to be extremely careful because even a small fire in these conditions could lead to a major disaster with loss of life and property."

Deiner said many of the fires were caused by negligence or intent, and while no serious injuries or fatalities were reported, several properties have already been damaged by wildfires.