Western Cape Disaster Management Centre launch fire season in the province

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today launched the provincial fire readiness initiative in Stellenbosch.

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 7215 Wildfires were experienced. The provincial government authorised aerial support to 38 of these wildfires. 85% 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 4 helicopters on tender, and access to another 4 if needed. We also have 4 bomber planes and 8 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 3% of all wildfires. The other 97% is caused either intentionally, 25%, or through negligence, 72%. 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.”

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
• Working on Fire

Media Enquiries: 

Wouter Kriel

Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell

Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Cell: 079 694 3085

E-mail: Wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za