Hot, dry and extremely windy conditions contributed to a 28% increase in vegetation fires in Cape Town, compared to the same period last year.

The number of overall incidents went up by 15%.

Ahead of International Firefighters Day on Saturday, the City of Cape Town said the summer period had proven to be one of the most challenging.

There were 20164 overall incidents from October last year to this April, compared to 17570 incidents in the same period.

The city recorded 10507 vegetation fires, 1335 informal residential fires and 1004 formal residential fires between last October and April this year.

Cape Town contracts two helicopters and a spotter plane as aerial support during summer.

“During the summer of 2022/23, the helicopters logged 68 hours and the spotter plane 38. Preliminary indications are that since 1 December 2023, the helicopters logged at least 280 hours, and the spotter plane 132 hours.”

City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith said the fire statistics confirmed that it was one of the busiest summer periods on record.

“While, the number of residential fires saw a slight decrease, it is cold comfort to those who lost loved ones and everything they owned. Throughout the challenges, our firefighters have stood tall, and I applaud their bravery and commitment. The city will continue to invest in our Fire and Rescue Service for the benefit of our residents, but also those wearing the uniform and working hard to help keep everyone safe.”