Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

The Department, in collaboration with municipalities and key disaster management partners, has implemented a comprehensive set of measures to ensure readiness for the 2025/26 high-risk fire season. A Provincial Wildfire Readiness Plan has been implemented, aligning provincial and municipal response efforts through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC).

Aerial firefighting capacity has been strengthened through renewed multi-year contracts, ensuring the early deployment of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft across high-risk districts. Ground support is bolstered by seasonal firefighting teams strategically placed within priority areas, supplemented by municipal and Fire Protection Association (FPA) resources.

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have been reconstituted and trained under the Incident Command System (ICS) to enhance coordinated response to large-scale events. The Department continues to conduct pre-season readiness assessments, simulation exercises, and inter-agency coordination sessions to ensure alignment of communication and command structures.

Additionally, fire prevention and mitigation efforts, including fuel load reduction and community awareness campaigns, are being intensified. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre will maintain 24-hour operational readiness throughout the summer, coordinating real-time resource deployment and intergovernmental communication to safeguard lives, property, and the environment during the upcoming fire season.

To ensure effective preparedness, rapid response, and coordination for large-scale wildfires during the 2025/26 summer season, the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre (WC: PDMC), in collaboration with municipalities and other stakeholders, has implemented a comprehensive set of measures. These are outlined in the 2025 Summer Readiness Plan and include the following:

Preparedness Measures

Risk Identification and Mapping

• High-risk wildfire zones have been identified using the updated Disaster Risk Assessment.
• These areas are targeted for enhanced preparedness and response efforts.

Infrastructure and Resource Readiness

District municipalities have been equipped with generators and water tankers to support emergency operations. These resources are stationed at disaster centres, fire stations, and municipal depots. Additional equipment and fuel reserves have been identified as needed in some districts.

Advanced Fire Information Systems

The WC: PDMC uses tools such as

• Fire Danger Index
• Fire Danger Rating
• Advanced Fire Information System (AFIS)

These systems support early warning and monitoring of fire conditions.

Awareness Campaigns

The annual Fire Awareness Campaign educates communities on fire safety and prevention. A smoke alarm programme is also being rolled out in high-risk areas to reduce fire-related fatalities.

Response and Coordination Measures

Activation Protocols

The WC: PDMC has established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for activating the Centre during major incidents. This includes placing personnel on standby, compiling situation reports, and ensuring all systems are operational.

Multi-Agency Cluster Approach

Disaster response is coordinated through stakeholder clusters, enhancing efficiency and ensuring a unified response across sectors.

Use of the Uniti System

The Uniti Disaster Management Information and Communication System is used to:

• Track incidents
• Manage messages
• Capture situation reports
• Coordinate stakeholder communication

This system is operational across the province, with licenses issued to district municipalities.

Daily Joint Operations Meetings

During active incidents, daily meetings are held to assess the situation and coordinate actions.