Western Cape (WC) Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell has warned that provincial firefighting services are under intense pressure as multiple wildfires continue to burn across the province amid hot and windy conditions.

Bredell said several fires have had to be managed simultaneously in recent days, stretching both aerial and ground firefighting resources.

He urged the public to act responsibly and avoid any behaviour that could spark a fire, warning that a single careless act can endanger lives, property and entire communities.

So far this fire season, provincial aerial firefighting resources based in George, Bredasdorp, Stellenbosch and Porterville have been deployed to 23 wildfire incidents.

These operations have reportedly already exceeded R2.4 million in costs and are primarily used to support ground crews in inaccessible and high-risk terrain.

While final damage assessments are still being compiled, it is estimated that several thousand hectares of agricultural land, conservation areas and forestry have been affected by wildfires across the Western Cape.

The minister noted that most fires recorded this season have been caused by human activity, either through negligence or deliberate actions, with only a small number linked to lightning strikes during thunderstorms.

“The majority of fires have been human-caused, either through negligence or intent, with only a very small number attributed to lightning during thunderstorm activity.”

Although no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported to date, several properties have been damaged.

Authorities continue to appeal to residents and visitors to report fires immediately and follow all safety instructions during periods of high fire danger.