As temperatures climb and the summer fire season draws near, Cape Town's emergency services are already dealing with an intense spike in vegetation fires. What is typically a seasonal challenge has accelerated sharply, with authorities urging residents to remain alert as conditions grow hotter, drier and windier.
According to data shared through reporting by firefighters attended to 632 vegetation fires between 10 and 17 November, highlighting how quickly fire risks escalate when the southeasterly winds strengthen.
This early surge has prompted renewed calls for public vigilance and clearer reporting of fire incidents, while provincial authorities activate their broader Wildfire Readiness Plan to coordinate response efforts across multiple regions.