Recent weeks have seen a notable increase in fires across Cape Town’s mountains, prompting concerns and speculation on social media about potential arson.
Also read: Fire and rescue services battled more than 13 000 fires over 4 months
Emergency services in December 2023 responded to a staggering 2 415 vegetation fires, with Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) reporting almost daily fire incidents in January 2024.
The City of Cape Town recently revealed that the period between October and January had been one of the busiest for its Fire and Rescue Service in the last four years, with 13 087 incidents responded to, of which 55% were vegetation fires.
According to the Daily Maverick, some social media users have suggested or suspected a sinister campaign targeting the DA-led Western Cape ahead of upcoming general elections.
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On 19 January, the TMNP revealed that at least three fires investigated by Enviro Wildfire Services showed signs of intentional ignition. However, the company noted it is not as prevalent as assumed, with many fires attributed to negligence, such as unextinguished camping or cooking fires.
In a Facebook post on 8 January, the company stated that it is ‘regularly appointed by landowners, the authorities, insurance companies and attorneys to conduct veldfire investigations across the Western Cape and further afield.’
Global Forest Watch (GFW), an online platform monitoring forests, indicates that recent fire volumes in Cape Town align with past years, dispelling claims of an abnormal surge.
The Daily Maverick highlights two key contributors to wildfires in the region: the presence of highly flammable alien vegetation and human activity in the veld.
Climate change is identified as a third factor, with researchers warning of a probable increase in the frequency and severity of fires in Cape Town due to worsening wildfire weather conditions.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook
