Fire hydrants in the spotlight

27 August 2025

The maintenance of, and easy access to fire hydrants is a critical element of fire preparedness. This past Monday, the City’s Fire and Rescue Service combined hydrant maintenance with a community awareness session in Sir Lowry's Pass Village.

Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Service responded to more than 18 000 vegetation and residential fires in the last financial year.

A network of nearly 58 000 fire hydrants around the city supports their efforts.

Hydrants are a critical source of water in the event of fire.

On Monday, 25 August, Fire and Rescue Service staff visited Sir Lowry's Pass Village to test, paint and record information about fire hydrants. They added an extra layer, by engaging residents on the importance of hydrants in ensuring emergency preparedness.



‘An effective fire response requires skilled staff, sufficient resources and a steady supply of water, hence the need for fire hydrants. Experience has shown that these critical pieces of equipment are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. Then of course, there are motorists who insist on blocking hydrants, either wilfully or because of a lack of awareness.

'The City has very good response times to fires, but we also need communities to step up and help protect our hydrants. Let's spread the message about the importance of always ensuring that firefighters have easy access to hydrants, but also to report any leaking or damaged hydrant to the nearest Fire Station,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

Any hydrant concerns can be reported to the nearest Fire Station; the City's Technical Operations Call Centre on 0860 103 089 or via the City App or website.

Emergency incidents can be reported to the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) on 021 480 7700.

Caption: Fire and Rescue Service staff painting and clearing fire hydrant signage and equipment.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office