Western Cape Government increases wildfire budget to R19 million as new fires on Boyes Drive and in Franschhoek receives attention from fire services.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today confirmed that the Department of Local Government has approved additional funding to bolster the wildfire budget from R16million to R19million.
“We have experienced an extremely busy fire season so far, and currently we are battling against fires on Boyes Drive in Muizenberg, and in Franschhoek. The Boyes Drive fire is made extremely challenging due to high winds and inaccessible terrain. The likelihood of more wildfires in the coming months is a real concern for us,” Minister Bredell said.
“We remain committed to our strategy of responding fast to fire sightings with aerial support and water bombing where necessary, as this has over time proved to be the most effective in managing wildfires. However, this strategy is expensive, and it can only be effective if it is sufficiently funded, “Minister Bredell added.
Since December 2023:
- 837 wildfires were reported to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.
- Aerial support was provided at 31 of these fires. (excluding those reported in the City of Cape Town).
- A total of 9 fires were so far classified as major wildfires which extended over multiple operational periods.
- 10376 hectares of land has burned so far this season. This number is set to go up as more damages are reported and current fires are included.
Minister Bredell repeated that the public 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. Please 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.”
The following numbers can be contacted to report any fire sightings:
City of Cape Town: 107 or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone
Overberg: 028 425 1690
West Coast: 022 433 8700
Garden Route: 044 805 5071
Central Karoo: 023 414 2603
Cape Winelands: 021 887 4446
Enquiries:
Wouter Kriel
Cell: 079 694 3085
E-mail: Wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za
