Western Cape residents have been warned to brace for a longer and more dangerous fire season, as climate change and extreme heat increase the risk of devastating wildfires.
Today, Premier Alan Winde, along with Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell, and provincial disaster management head Colin Deiner, outlined the province’s preparedness for the summer fire season.
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Scientific projections indicate that the traditional four-month fire season, from November to March, could become longer as temperatures rise and conditions become drier.
At least 30,000 people have reportedly died across Europe since May amid record-breaking heatwaves.
Premier Winde said similar extreme conditions could put vulnerable communities in the province at greater risk, particularly people living in informal settlements, the elderly, farming communities and pregnant women.
But Winde said residents should not panic, as the province is working to reduce the risks and strengthen its response to fires and extreme heat.
He also called on communities to play their part by clearing potential fire hazards.
“In the agricultural sector, now is the time to cut those firebreaks. In our communities that are perhaps surrounded by alien vegetation, now is the time to be trimming, cutting, and making sure we are mitigating that risk,” he said.
Winde said preparation now could help prevent small fires from becoming devastating disasters this summer.
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