Western Cape Premier Alan Winde is set to outline the province’s preparedness for the summer fire season amid signs that wildfires could start earlier than usual this year.
Thursday’s briefing comes after an early-season wildfire in the Kogmanskloof area, outside Montagu.
ALSO READ: Western Cape government expands fire season from four to eight months
The Cape Winelands District Municipality said the fire started on Tuesday afternoon and was contained after ground crews and firefighting vehicles were deployed.
The municipality said it is already looking at ways to boost resources and strengthen its firefighting capacity.
Cape Winelands Mayor Elna von Schlicht said the timing of the blaze is concerning.
She said an earlier start to the fire season could put additional pressure on the agricultural sector and firefighting services.
“This is particularly early for a wildfire. Normally, we start seeing fires in late November, peaking in high summer, from February through to mid-March. The fire experienced shows us that we can expect a much earlier onset.”
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Ntuthuzelo Nene
www.ewn.co.za