Fire and Rescue Service Department
What we do
We are a professional service (originally referred to as a Fire Brigade) that dates back to 1845. We currently consist of 30 fire stations in four districts serving a population of 4 million people and covering an area of over 2 560 square kilometres.
We respond to and deal with all types of fires and emergencies, ranging from structural, informal settlement, mountain and veld fires to small vessel and motor vehicle fires. Our service extends its work to medical emergencies and rescues including urban search and rescue, diving, motor vehicle extrications and high angle incidents, as well as hazardous material emergencies.
We also strive to provide a safer environment for our residents, visitors and City staff, by creating awareness of the dangers associated with fire in our communities.
We include
Our service is divided into three sections, with more than 1 200 staff members.
Firefighters, and fire and life safety staff (Operational and Fire Safety)
We aim to provide an efficient, cost effective, unprejudiced and equitable fire and rescue service to residents and visitors of Cape Town. We aim to respond to emergencies within the shortest possible time and record, document and research all incidents.
Command and control staff
We manage all emergency calls and mobilise resources. We also maintain continuous communication links with emergency vehicles and crews at incidents, providing dynamic support and information as required to assist in delivering a successful service to all emergency incidents.
Trainers and support staff (Training and Administration)
Our role is to ensure that Cape Town's residents, visitors and City staff know how to reduce fire threats and increase their knowledge and skills in combating fires. Support staff also procure, manage and maintain all the resources within the service.
Department highlights
Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Service is the largest in South Africa and plays a critical role in assisting residents and communities during fires and emergency situations.
Every year International Firefighters' Day is observed on 4 May to honour firefighters for their dedication, commitment, perseverance and to remember those who lost their lives.
Sea Point Fire Station is an important landmark. It is one of the oldest stations in Cape Town, dating back to 1932.
Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Service is the largest in South Africa and plays a critical role in assisting residents and communities during fires and emergency situations.
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