Fire in the home - emergency planning is key

31 July 2024

Residential fires in Cape Town increased by 20% in the last 12 months – and while fatalities decreased, the data underscores that vigilance in the late night hours and on weekends, is critical. 

The Fire & Rescue Service recorded 4 210 residential fires in 2023/24, resulting in 220 fatalities.

Informal residential fires increased by 15% year-on-year, while formal residential fires increased by 27%.

'The increase in residential fires points to a need for more robust education, awareness and frank conversations about fire risks. The City has worked hard to ensure that it has a well-functioning Fire & Rescue Service that can respond effectively in the event of fire. But ultimately, fire safety in the home requires planning and buy-in from everyone who lives under a particular roof.

'The prospect of anything happening to your home or your loved ones is not the kind of conversation that too many of us want to have, but ultimately, that can be the difference between life and death. I want to plead with our residents to take the time to see what fire safety measures they can implement for their particular circumstances, and to put together a family emergency plan that everyone is familiar with, should you need to evacuate or act in the event of a fire or any other emergency for that matter,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

A fire safety checklist is available here: https://bit.ly/4d0s67N

Between January and June 2024, the Fire & Rescue Service recorded 105 fatalities linked to structural fires.

A breakdown of the statistics shows that:

• 80% of fatalities occurred over weekends, between Saturday and Monday
• 74% occurred between midnight and 06:00
• 56% of victims were adult males
  
   
  
  'These statistics are not new, but they serve as a stark reminder that many fires are the result of negligence, tied to alcohol abuse, and often with devastating consequences. These dangers have been highlighted time and again, but it bears repeating – if you are going to drink or use drugs, stay away from anything that is flammable, whether cooking or using candles for lighting, or even smoking a cigarette – especially in bed,' added Alderman Smith.
  

The City has a comprehensive list of basic fire safety tips in the home: https://bit.ly/3A6gW2I

Residents are urged to save the Public Emergency Communication Centre's number on their cellphone, in case of emergency: 021 480 7700.

End 

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office