Western Cape battles 23 wildfires since start of season

The Western Cape Government has confirmed that several properties have been damaged by 23 wildfires across the province since the official start of the fire season in November.

Firefighters have been particularly active over the last few days, battling multiple blazes in the Overberg region and another in Kommetjie on Monday. With hot and windy conditions expected to persist, officials are urging the public to be extra cautious with any activities that could inadvertently spark a fire.

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

Colin Deiner, head of the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, noted that the majority of these fires have been caused by human activity, with only a small number attributed to lightning during recent thunderstorm activity.

Deiner highlighted the strain on provincial firefighting services, which have remained extremely busy throughout the early stages of the summer.

"Since the start of the summer wildfire season, Western Cape aerial resources—which are based in George, Bredasdorp, Stellenbosch, and Porterville—have responded to 23 wildfires at a cost of R2.4 million," said Deiner.

Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, particularly during hot, dry, and windy weather when the risk of runaway fires is at its highest.