Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service attended 30 302 incidents between 1 May 2025 and 29 April 2026, marking an increase of 454 call-outs compared to the previous 12-month period.
Vegetation fires accounted for the largest share of responses, rising from 12 345 incidents in the 2024/25 period to 13 020 in the year just ended. Motor vehicle accidents increased marginally from 4 914 to 4 991, whilst informal residential fires climbed from 2 003 to 2 125.
Formal residential fires saw a slight rise from 1 893 to 1 898, whilst pedestrian accidents decreased from 2 269 to 2 120.
Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, said the statistics highlighted the demands placed on the service.
“These statistics are staggering, but they also offer a clear view of the demands and pressures on the service. We are indebted to the frontline staff members, but also the support staff who are critical to the overall operations of the service. On International Firefighters Day, we pause to acknowledge their courage, determination and service,” Smith said.
He added that fire prevention required public participation.
“The City continues to invest in the Fire and Rescue Service through resources, equipment and yet another new fire station build, but I want to remind the public that they too need to be a part of the story. Fire safety starts with each and every one of us – the more we can do to prevent fires or any other emergency, the more we reduce the growing load on our firefighters,” Smith said.
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The proposed capital budget for the Safety and Security Directorate in the 2026/27 financial year includes R20 million for fire station upgrades in Brooklyn, Mfuleni and Constantia, as well as R3 million in initial investment for the construction of a fire station in Langa.
The Fire and Rescue Service will host a public event on Saturday, 9 May at the Wesfleur Sports Ground in Atlantis between 09:45 and 15:00. The event will feature exhibitions, live displays, sport and games, preceded by a cavalcade through Atlantis streets starting at 08:30.
“This event is not to be missed, so do diarise it and bring the whole family along for a glimpse into the fascinating world of the Fire and Rescue Service,” Smith said.
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