Working on Fire (WoF) has mobilised 900 firefighters and more than 33 aircraft as the Western Cape enters its annual fire season, the organisation and provincial authorities confirmed on Sunday.
EWN reports that the move follows an unprecedented run of early-season blazes that have stretched crews and resources.
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The Expanded Public Works Programme reported about 600 vegetation fires in Cape Town during a single week in November, showing how quickly conditions can escalate when strong south-easterly winds and high temperatures take hold.
Firefighters and municipal crews have worked around the clock to protect homes and infrastructure. VOC FM
Linton Rensburg, national communications manager for Working on Fire, said the pattern of outbreaks demonstrates that wildfire risk is shifting beyond traditional windows and becoming a year-round climate-driven threat.
He urged residents near vegetation to clear debris, maintain gutters and remove overhanging branches to reduce exposure.
Provincial disaster teams have reconstituted incident management units and confirmed aerial support plans to speed responses where ground access is difficult.
Officials asked communities to report new fires promptly and to follow instructions from emergency services. (Government of South Africa)
Many crews are young trainees gained through the EPWP and officials emphasised that preparedness and neighbourly vigilance remain the best defence against fast-moving wildfires.
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Western Cape fires leave hundreds displaced as relief efforts intensify
Picture: Matt C / Unsplash
