Not all fire heroes wear bunker gear
17 January 2026
Fire statistics for the past eight weeks show increases year-on-year in both vegetation and residential fires. The City’s emergency services continue to hold the line, but it’s a stark reminder to the public that fire safety and prevention is everyone’s business. Read more below:
Fires in the different categories increased by between five and 16 percent, compared to the previous year.
'The higher temperatures over the period in review are a factor, but over the past few summers, the south-easter has also extended its stay, which not only fan flames where fires do occur, but also bedevil firefighting efforts,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Based on the Fire and Rescue Service's statistics for 1 December – 15 January, formal residential fires has seen the biggest increase of just over 16% year-on-year.| Category | Dec 2024 – 15 Jan 2025 | Dec 2025 – 15 Jan 2026 |
| Total incidents (fires, rescues etc.) | 5 309 | 5 608 |
| Vegetation fires | 3 213 | 3 492 |
| Informal residential fires | 315 | 332 |
| Formal residential fires | 210 | 244 |
Between October 2025 and 9 January 2026, the City's Disaster Risk Management Centre coordinated relief efforts for 6 999 persons affected by fires around the metropole.
'There is increasing pressure on our services to not only respond to fire incidents, but also the post disaster recovery efforts. These fires disrupt thousands of lives every year, and many people struggle for months, if not longer, to find their feet. It is for this reason that we need to put greater emphasis on disaster reduction. Each and every one of us need to start thinking differently about our role in fire prevention and mitigation. What can we do in our homes and our community to lower the risk of fires and other hazards, or to mitigate the impact when disaster does strike?' added Alderman Smith.
Residents are encouraged to think proactively about potential hazards like fire, and how they can reduce the risk of these incidents occurring or the impact when they do.
The City has a list of fire prevention and safety tips that everyone can benefit from.
Among these is to:
- Create a family emergency plan that coordinates your evacuation in the event of a disaster. Decide where you and your family will meet, and how you will get there. Make sure each family member has a copy of the plan.
- If you have a serious medical condition, wear medic alert tags or bracelets that identify your illness.
- Create a document that gives essential information about each family member: ID number, date of birth. Important medical information, home address, school or work address, phone numbers, medical aid and insurance details.
- Identify at least two exits from every room, and check for any items that could block your escape path from the building.
- Identify and remove potential fire hazards from your home to reduce the risk of fire.
More fire safety and prevention tips are available here: www.capetown.gov.za/firesafety
The City also encourages the public to report any signs of fire to the Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
