El Niño raises fire risk as Western Cape prepares for a challenging fire season
The Western Cape is preparing for a potentially challenging wildfire season, with the developing El Niño weather pattern expected to contribute to hotter and drier conditions and an increased risk of wildfires across the province.
The South African Weather Service has warned of below-normal rainfall associated with the expected strong El Niño during the coming summer season. While El Niño does not automatically mean that every part of the province will experience drought, the combination of reduced rainfall, higher temperatures and dry vegetation can create conditions in which fires ignite more easily and spread more rapidly. Wind is always a contributing factor to wildfire size and, although the wind is not expected to be excessive this summer it will likely be variable, meaning it can come from any direction. This unpredictability endangers firefighters on fire lines and increases the risk of casualties.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, CapeNature responded to 107 wildfires that were recorded in the Western Cape. These 107 fires amounted to 215 937 hectares burned of which 78 505 hectares was on CapeNature-managed nature reserves.
These figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge facing firefighting teams and the importance of preventing fires wherever possible.
El Niño does not drive fire on its own, but it can create the conditions that allow fires to become more frequent, more intense and more difficult to contain. When vegetation dries out, even a small ignition can quickly become a significant wildfire, particularly when combined with hot, dry and windy conditions.
The Western Cape’s unique fynbos landscape is naturally fire-adapted, but uncontrolled wildfires can threaten biodiversity, homes, infrastructure, agricultural land and human lives. Human activity remains a major contributor to wildfire ignitions, making public awareness and responsible behaviour an essential part of fire prevention. The public has an important role to play. Anyone who sees smoke or a fire in the veld should report it immediately by dialling 112. Do not wait to see whether a fire becomes larger before reporting it. Early detection can make a critical difference in giving firefighting teams an opportunity to respond before a fire gains momentum.
Ms Coral Birss, Executive Director: Biodiversity Capabilities at CapeNature, said 63% of the fires in the last fire season were contained before the size exceeded 100 hectares, demonstrating the effectiveness of CapeNature’s implementation of a Large Scale Rapid Initial Attack model.
With the support of the public reporting fires we can act quickly. Fire management and suppression is a large part of what we do, and we start planning for the next fire season before the previous season is over. Audits are done, equipment is checked and replaced where needed and we have many partnership engagements to ensure the entire province is ready for the next fire season.
CapeNature fire awareness campaigns are there to inform the public about the impacts of fire and what the repercussions are if you are found responsible for having started a fire.
Members of the public are also urged to exercise extreme caution when using fire outdoors, particularly on hot, dry and windy days. Fires are not allowed to be made on road verges, viewing areas on passes and other roads. Fires should be enjoyed safely like at a braai in your garden with friends and family. Fires should never be left unattended, and people should ensure that braais, agricultural burns and other authorised fires are properly extinguished.
As the Province moves into the drier, warmer months, CapeNature and its partners will continue preparing for increased fire risk. The message to residents and visitors is simple: prevent fires where you can, and report smoke or fire immediately by dialling 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 from a landline.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
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