The warmer months typically coincides with an increase in vegetation fires in particular. As is custom, the City has made additional resources available to boost its Fire and Rescue Service’s capacity.
As part of its festive season and general summer readiness, the City’s Fire and Rescue Services has once again invested in reinforcements for the expected increase in particularly vegetation fires between December and April.
A total of approximately 900 professional firefighters could be called upon for major incidents, working on a three-shift rotational system, where between 190 and 230 firefighters are on duty every 24-hour period, 365 days of the year. They are based at our 32 fire stations spread across the city.
In addition, the service has acquired aerial support in the form of two helicopters and a spotter plane. It is further supported by seasonal firefighters as well as an additional 22 firefighters who recently graduated after completing their training.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Services has once again invested in reinforcements for the expected increase in particularly vegetation fires between December and April
On Thursday, 23 December 2021, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith visited the Sir Lowry’s Pass fire station and engaged with staff and seasonal firefighters who are based at the facility.
‘We have seen a downturn in the number of vegetation fires so far this December, compared to previous years. This could very well be the result of the milder weather conditions that we have experienced. That said, the summer weather appears to be with us now, and that, combined with Cape Town’s notorious south-easterly wind can make life very busy, and challenging for our firefighters. I wish them well for the months ahead, and I encourage the public to do their bit. We have not experienced a downturn in residential fires, so the appeal to the public is to be extremely vigilant at all times, and to do their bit to mitigate the risk of fires,’ said Alderman JP Smith.
The City reminds residents of the following fire safety tips:
- Unplug all non-essential appliances when not in use
- Do not overload multi-plugs or wall sockets
- Do not leave open flames or cooking devices unattended
- Keep children away from flammable materials
- Alcohol and fires are not friends – Do not use open flames or flammable substances when you’ve consumed alcohol
In addition:
- Have a fire extinguisher (and know how to use it) in the home – 4.5kg dry powder extinguisher is recommended
- Install smoke detectors in your home, particularly in high traffic areas such as your kitchen and your work areas.
- Residents on the urban edge – keep gutters clean of leaves and dust
- Check areas where leaves and vegetation accumulate and remove/keep clean
- Remove any excess vegetation from garden areas in close proximity to your living areas