Provincial government sets aside R16m for upcoming fire season

The Western Cape Government says it has budgeted R16m for the upcoming fire season in the province. This is R1.5 million more last year’s fire season.

The Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, on Tuesday, launched the provincial fire readiness initiative in Stellenbosch.

Bredell said a busy fire season is expected, as the long and wet winter season has caused vigorous vegetation growth over large parts of the province.

He added that dense vegetation, together with hot, dry, and windy summer weather, creates favourable conditions for wildfires.

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According to statistics from the department, 7 215 wildfires were experienced, from the previous summer season.

“We have aerial and ground support tenders in place. For this season we have 4 helicopters on tender, and access to another 4 if needed. We also have 4 bomber planes and 8 spotter aircraft at our disposal,’’ said Anton Bredell, Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC.

Bredell urged the public in doing their part to prevent wildfires.

“Fires due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes or rockfalls, account for less than 3% of all wildfires. The other 97% is caused either intentionally, 25%, or through negligence, 72%. These statistics show the huge role ordinary citizens can play to protect not only our natural environment, but also our personal safety and infrastructure, from runaway wildfires.”

 “Experience over many years has taught us that the faster the initial response, the better our chances are of successfully controlling a fire before it spirals out of control,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George