Cape Town Fire Fighters

Home » Cape Fire Fighters on Standby as Gale Force Winds Continue: PICS & VIDEO

Cape Fire Fighters on Standby as Gale Force Winds Continue: PICS & VIDEO

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service have continued to monitor the hotspots amid an increase in the number of fires reported around the Peninsula in recent days. A crew of 50 Fire and Rescue Service members, supported by various other agencies, are maintaining a presence in Red Hill, Scarborough, Misty Cliffs, Ocean View […]

By SAPeople Contributor
13-01-16 18:28
in Environment
Cape Town Fire Fighters

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service have continued to monitor the hotspots amid an increase in the number of fires reported around the Peninsula in recent days.

Cape Town Fire Fighters
Sunday afternoon about 16h30 – fire heading to Oceanview 11 Jan 2016

A crew of 50 Fire and Rescue Service members, supported by various other agencies, are maintaining a presence in Red Hill, Scarborough, Misty Cliffs, Ocean View and Kommetjie to monitor flare-ups should they occur.

Cape Town Fire Fighters
Trying to conduct an interview in the wind and smoke in Oceanview Sunday 11 Jan 2016

The city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said this was imperative considering the prevailing wind conditions, which could accelerate the pace at which fires burn.  Gale force southeaster winds have been blowing today. (Watch video below.)

Smith appealed to residents and visitors to be extremely cautious when handling flammable items or material.

Cape Town Fire Fighters
Looking out for each other Brothers in Fire – Oceanview

“Now, more than ever, common sense is needed. I appeal to smokers to be mindful of how they are discarding of cigarette butts. Only make fires in designated areas and if you rely on candles or paraffin stoves, do not leave them unattended under any circumstances,” he said.

Cape Town Fire Fighters
Driving into the teeth of the smoke and wind in Oceanview

Between last Thursday and Monday, the Fire and Rescue Service responded to 495 fire calls. This, according to the city, equates to an average of 99 incidents a day.

Of the 495 calls, 428 were in the category classified as bush, grass and rubbish fires.

Cape Town Fire Fighters
Fire on the mountain behind Oceanview from Blue Water Estate. 11 Jan 2016

Recent incidents include vegetation fires on Devil’s Peak, Signal Hill and in the South Peninsula.

“The gale-force southeaster has been our worst nightmare as it has simply accelerated the pace at which the fires have burned, with devastating consequences as seen in the Rasta Camp settlement in Ocean View, as well as the two informal settlement fires in Khayelitsha and Mfuleni over the weekend that claimed three lives,” Smith said.

Cape Town Fire Fighters
Robyn Gwilt: “Pix of the choppers over Oceanview. The air was thick with fire, and breathing/seeing was difficult. Hats off to the Chopper and On The Ground Volunteers and Heroes!”

Cape Town Fire Fighters

Cape Town Fire Fighters

Cape Town Fire Fighters

Smith said police have also set up a task team to investigate claims that some fires are being deliberately set.

Any fires should be reported to the City of Cape Town’s Public Emergency Communication Centre as soon as possible by dialling 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone.

Text: SAnews.gov.za | Photos: Robyn Gwilt Photography

Watch Video: Capetonians struggle to cross road in high winds

Uploaded by News24. Gale force southeaster winds in Cape Town today.