Firefighters kept up from dusk 'til dawn

1 June 2025

On average, in winter, 60% of fires happen between 18:00 and 06:00.

The City’s Fire and Rescue Service faces challenges year-round … the nature of which changes by season.

In summer, vegetation fires dominate – in winter, the two standout categories are structural fires and motor vehicle accidents.

A review of winter statistics for the past three seasons shows:

A decline in the number of structural fires from 2 129 in 2022 to 1 748 in 2024
An increase in responses to motor vehicle accidents from 1 883 in 2022 to 2 147 in 2024
On average, 60% of fires happen between 18:00 and 06:00
On average, 33% of motor vehicle responses are between 18:00 and 00:00

‘The downturn in fires is a positive step, but that means little to families and communities who are affected by these disasters. The statistics also show that July tends to have the highest number of structural fires. That’s when temperatures plummet and the use of heaters and other appliances increase, so this is a critical reminder to us all about fire risks and the need for vigilance.

‘The City continues to invest in its Fire and Rescue Service so that we can respond quickly and effectively to people in their time of need. However, fire prevention begins in the home, so my appeal this winter is to hash out a family emergency plan, be alert to the dangers of various heating and cooking appliances, and steer clear of open flames when you’ve been drinking. Remember to save our emergency number – 021 480 7700,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

HOW YOU CAN HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRES:

Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach
Cut candles in half to prevent them falling over – and use a candle holder
Do not smoke in bed
If you can afford it, keep a fire extinguisher in your home; maintain it annually and learn how to use it
Keep a bucket of sand in the kitchen if you don’t have an extinguisher; throwing sand over a small fire, especially oil, can help contain it before it gets out of control
Keep a garden hose rolled up and ready in case of fire
Where possible, have more than one exit point from your house
Make an escape plan that the whole family knows about and can follow

More fire prevention safety tips are available here: www.capetown.gov.za/firesafety

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office