Vegetation and residential fires on the rise: City appeals for community vigilance

The City of Cape Town has issued a renewed appeal to residents to play an active role in reducing the number of fire incidents across the metro.

Recent data reveals a concerning upward trend. Fire statistics from the past eight weeks show a year-on-year increase in both vegetation and residential fires, with figures rising between 5% and 16% in these two categories compared to the previous year.

JP Smith, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, emphasised that the responsibility for fire safety does not rest solely with emergency services. He urged residents to be more proactive in their daily lives to prevent future tragedies.

“Each and every one of us needs to start thinking differently about our role in fire prevention and mitigation,” Smith said. “Like what we can do in our homes and our community to lower the risk of fires and other hazards, or to mitigate the impact when disaster does strike.”