Wildfires
Wildfires are a common occurrence during the dry season in Cape Town, and represent a significant threat to life, property and the environment. They can be started both by people or by natural events such as lightning.
Risk factors
Localised fires can spread rapidly and become a major threat under certain conditions:
- Strong winds
- Areas of dry vegetation
- Weather and climate conditions such as drought or El Niño
- Presence of flammable substances such as gas or resin
- Lack of an early warning system to alert firefighters
Report a fire
If you spot any sign of a fire, contact Emergency Services immediately by calling
107 from a landline or
021 480 7700 from a cellphone. Do not assume that someone else has done it.
Help us prevent wildfires
Wildfires can be devastating to plants, animals, humans and the environment. It can also disrupt road traffic and destroy infrastructure. We all have to be more careful with fire and open flames when outside.
Take note of the following basic fire safety rules:
- When enjoying the outdoors, always be mindful of the fire danger index and the prevailing weather conditions.
- Do not litter, and do not leave glass items behind when engaging in outdoor activities.
- It is an offence to toss cigarette butts from vehicles or to drop them on the ground.
- The sale, distribution and discharge of fireworks without a valid permit is an offence.
- Maintain proper fire breaks around your property. Fire breaks should be at least 10 metres wide, between your property and your neighbours or abutting mountainside/vegetation.
- Maintain vegetation height as low as possible, or completely remove vegetation in the firebreak area.
- Keep your property clear of flammable debris like dead leaves, twigs or litter.
- Clear debris from roof surfaces and gutters.
- Remove/prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows.
- Keep access to fire hydrants open for use by the emergency services.
- Only make a braai in safe or designated areas and extinguish the fire when done. Never leave a fire unattended.
- Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose close by; or keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle or at your property.
- Fire-proof your garden by limiting flammable vegetation species. You will need to reduce the growth of fire-loving vegetation – usually invasive alien plants – in and around your property by cutting and trimming on a regular basis. Keep branches at least 3 metres from other trees.
- Avoid slash and burn or bush-clearing activities during the high-risk days – you will have to apply for an open burning permit or have prior authorisation.
- Store any fuels such as wood, gas, petrol or paraffin in a safe space away from living areas.
- Keep matches, lighters, paraffin and other hazardous substances out of the reach of children.
- Use safety caps on all containers.
What to do if you are caught in a wildfire
Do not attempt to fight the fire unless it is small and you know what you are doing. Otherwise, evacuate and report the fire to the City’s emergency services.
- Remember, smoke is the big danger: avoid inhaling it
- When passing through a smoke-filled environment, keep low to avoid the rising smoke
- Take short breaths through your nose until you reach safety
- Try to cover your face with a damp cloth or handkerchief
- Don’t try to save possessions – rather save yourself, other people and pets
If your clothes are on fire, perform the stop, drop and roll procedure:
Step 1: Stop where you are
Step 2: Drop to the floor
Step 3: Roll around on the floor – this will help to smother (put out) the flames and may save your life
If you are camping or hiking in one of our reserves, make sure that you have essential survival gear to aid in your evacuation:
- First aid kit and essential medicines
- Emergency flares
- Fully charged cellphone and rechargeable battery pack
- Extra food and water
- Torch and extra batteries
- Strong shoes and extra clothing
- Portable, battery-operated radio
- Cash and credit cards
- Non-electrical can opener
Check the fire danger index
Our Fire Danger Index (FDI) tells you how serious the wildfire risk is on any given day in Cape Town. We communicate the FDI via the media and also post alerts using signs in reserves and parks.
Fast fact
Vegetation fires add to global warming and climate change through the release of CO2. However, research shows that CO2 from veld fires has less of an impact on global warming because the veld actually takes up more CO2 after a fire than what was emitted during the fire.
Our
Fire Danger Index Table will help you understand our terminology and will guide you on the do’s and don’ts on a particular day spent exploring outdoor areas.
Wildfire reporting
It is your civic duty to report a wildfire burning on your property to your neighbours and to the
Fire Protection Association. You cannot interfere with or obstruct wildfire-fighting efforts. You are also responsible for drawing up a fire management plan.
What must be included in a fire management plan?
- Fire hazards that you have identified on your property
- Location of fire breaks on your property
- Areas on your property where controlled burns should be conducted
Do I have to do anything if I am only leasing (renting) the property?
The legislation applies to lessees as much as it applies to the people who own properties.
Am I required to have a fire break on my property?
Yes – the basic rule is that every home should have fire breaks along the boundary of their property. This means that the roads authorities are responsible for setting up fire breaks along public roads. You can, however, agree in writing with your neighbour or the Fire Protection Association where you are going to put up your fire breaks on your property.
Who will pay for the costs of a fire break?
The costs of a fire break will be shared between the residents who decide to establish them.
What do I do if my neighbour refuses to remove a fire hazard from their property?
- Write a letter to your neighbour explaining why their actions are unlawful and dangerous. Request that they attend to the problem as a matter of urgency.
- Report the matter to the
Fire Protection Association in your area.
- If your neighbour fails to act, you can contact the
Metropolitan Police Service.
Would you like to print this page?
print 