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22 December 2023
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Western Cape Disaster Management Centre launch fire season in the province
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Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today launched the provincial fire readiness initiative in Stellenbosch on 27 November 2023. Minister Bredell said a busy fire season is expected, as the long and wet winter season has caused vigorous vegetation growth over large parts of the province. Dense vegetation, together with hot, dry and windy summer weather, creates favourable conditions for wildfires.
Minister Bredell said that looking back to the previous summer, a total of 7 215 Wildfires were experienced. The provincial government authorised aerial support to 38 of these wildfires. 85 percent of all fires in identified high risk areas were contained during the initial attack phase, the majority within the first hour. The Western Cape Government invested R14,5m on fire suppression during the previous fire season.
Looking towards the coming season, the Western Cape Government has budgeted R16m for wildfire responses. “We have aerial and ground support tenders in place. For this season we have four helicopters on tender and access to another 4 if needed. We also have four bomber planes and eight spotter aircraft at our disposal.”
Minister Bredell emphasised the important role of the Mutual Aid Agreement that exists in the Western Cape between municipalities and the different firefighting entities. “This agreement ensures clear lines of command, fast budget decisions, and coordination between different outfits. It allows for units closest to a fire to respond fast and with dedicated focus on the challenge at hand.”
Minister Bredell said the extensive flooding from the past winter damaged many roads that might be needed to access remote areas. This adds complexity to firefighting efforts. Although the aerial response strategy works very well, it can only be successful if combined with effective ground support. “As such, I want to recognise and thank each member of the approximately 2300 fire fighters, both professional and those on contract, who will be available this season. You are the men and women who will be risking your health and lives doing this hard and dangerous work on the ground to keep us safe during this summer.”
Minister Bredell said the public also plays a critical role in the prevention of wildfires. “Fires due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes or rockfalls, account for less than three percent of all wildfires. The other 97 percent is caused either intentionally, 25 percent, or through negligence, 72 percent. These statistics show the huge role ordinary citizens can play to protect not only our natural environment, but also our personal safety and infrastructure, from runaway wildfires.”
Minister Bredell asked that people report any sighting of a fire as quickly as possible to the closest authorities. “Experience over many years has taught us that the faster the initial response, the better our chances are of successfully controlling a fire before it spirals out of control.”
Western Cape Disaster Management director Colin Deiner said wildfires are prevalent in the province during summer season, and that early control and awareness was essential. "The impact has been fairly successful in the sense that since 2013, we have initiated a system which we call a Rapid Attack System for wildfires, which means we respond to wildfires with maximum resources," said Deiner.
Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Cape Winelands District Municipality executive mayor, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Our readiness and response capabilities hinge on collaborative efforts. The Cape Winelands District Municipality, local municipalities, Cape Nature, the Winelands Fire Protection Association and the Western Cape Government play important roles in ensuring coordinated responses to fire incidents in our district. By pooling our resources and coordinating our efforts, we enhance our ability to effectively and efficiently manage fire-related challenges.”
According to Cape Nature, the Western Cape was one of the worst-affected veld fire areas in the country, with summer fires being a natural occurrence. Too many fires, on the other hand, may have a negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services such as water production.
It was stated that all fires start small but in hot, dry, windy weather, a small fire can quickly become a threat to life and property.
‘The Western Cape fire season occurs during the hot, dry summer month and both residents and visitors to the province need to be vigilant and careful when dealing with fires or any other burning material. The dense vegetation, combined with the hot, dry and windy summer weather, creates ideal conditions for wildfires.’
Partners in the Western Cape firefighting initiative includes: Cape Winelands District Municipality, West Coast District Municipality, Overberg District Municipality, Garden Route District Municipality, City of Cape Town, Cape Nature, SANParks, Greater Cedarberg FPA, Cape Winelands FPA; Cape Peninsula FPA, Greater Overberg FPA, Southern Cape FPA, Volunteer Wildfire Services and Working on Fire.
Sources: Western Cape Government, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Daily Maverick
Minister Bredell said that looking back to the previous summer, a total of 7 215 Wildfires were experienced. The provincial government authorised aerial support to 38 of these wildfires. 85 percent of all fires in identified high risk areas were contained during the initial attack phase, the majority within the first hour. The Western Cape Government invested R14,5m on fire suppression during the previous fire season.
Looking towards the coming season, the Western Cape Government has budgeted R16m for wildfire responses. “We have aerial and ground support tenders in place. For this season we have four helicopters on tender and access to another 4 if needed. We also have four bomber planes and eight spotter aircraft at our disposal.”
Minister Bredell emphasised the important role of the Mutual Aid Agreement that exists in the Western Cape between municipalities and the different firefighting entities. “This agreement ensures clear lines of command, fast budget decisions, and coordination between different outfits. It allows for units closest to a fire to respond fast and with dedicated focus on the challenge at hand.”
Minister Bredell said the extensive flooding from the past winter damaged many roads that might be needed to access remote areas. This adds complexity to firefighting efforts. Although the aerial response strategy works very well, it can only be successful if combined with effective ground support. “As such, I want to recognise and thank each member of the approximately 2300 fire fighters, both professional and those on contract, who will be available this season. You are the men and women who will be risking your health and lives doing this hard and dangerous work on the ground to keep us safe during this summer.”
Minister Bredell said the public also plays a critical role in the prevention of wildfires. “Fires due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes or rockfalls, account for less than three percent of all wildfires. The other 97 percent is caused either intentionally, 25 percent, or through negligence, 72 percent. These statistics show the huge role ordinary citizens can play to protect not only our natural environment, but also our personal safety and infrastructure, from runaway wildfires.”
Minister Bredell asked that people report any sighting of a fire as quickly as possible to the closest authorities. “Experience over many years has taught us that the faster the initial response, the better our chances are of successfully controlling a fire before it spirals out of control.”
Western Cape Disaster Management director Colin Deiner said wildfires are prevalent in the province during summer season, and that early control and awareness was essential. "The impact has been fairly successful in the sense that since 2013, we have initiated a system which we call a Rapid Attack System for wildfires, which means we respond to wildfires with maximum resources," said Deiner.
Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Cape Winelands District Municipality executive mayor, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Our readiness and response capabilities hinge on collaborative efforts. The Cape Winelands District Municipality, local municipalities, Cape Nature, the Winelands Fire Protection Association and the Western Cape Government play important roles in ensuring coordinated responses to fire incidents in our district. By pooling our resources and coordinating our efforts, we enhance our ability to effectively and efficiently manage fire-related challenges.”
According to Cape Nature, the Western Cape was one of the worst-affected veld fire areas in the country, with summer fires being a natural occurrence. Too many fires, on the other hand, may have a negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services such as water production.
It was stated that all fires start small but in hot, dry, windy weather, a small fire can quickly become a threat to life and property.
‘The Western Cape fire season occurs during the hot, dry summer month and both residents and visitors to the province need to be vigilant and careful when dealing with fires or any other burning material. The dense vegetation, combined with the hot, dry and windy summer weather, creates ideal conditions for wildfires.’
Partners in the Western Cape firefighting initiative includes: Cape Winelands District Municipality, West Coast District Municipality, Overberg District Municipality, Garden Route District Municipality, City of Cape Town, Cape Nature, SANParks, Greater Cedarberg FPA, Cape Winelands FPA; Cape Peninsula FPA, Greater Overberg FPA, Southern Cape FPA, Volunteer Wildfire Services and Working on Fire.
Sources: Western Cape Government, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Daily Maverick