CAPE TOWN – The DA in the Western Cape has welcomed the swift response by CapeNature to mitigate damage to the natural landscape under its management during the 2025’26 fire season.

While a significant 70 785 hectares have burned as of 12 February this year, many fragile ecosystems were saved because of the rapid and professional response by CapeNature and its partners, the DA said in a statement this week.

The staggering figure already exceeds the 43 565 hectares recorded for the entire 2024’25 financial year, highlighting the intensity of the current fire season and the immense pressure under which CapeNature has operated, the statement reads.

During the Cederberg fire alone, 2 049 person days were logged over a 15-day period, representing the combined efforts of CapeNature teams, Working on Fire, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and district municipality fire crews.

The DA said it extends its heartfelt gratitude to CapeNature and the thousands of brave men and women who fought tirelessly to protect the province.

No infrastructure losses were recorded despite the scale of the fires, thanks to their collective efforts, the party says.

Dave Bryant, provincial spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, says CapeNature and its dedicated teams deserve their highest praise. “While the numbers tell a story of a devastating fire season, they also tell a story of incredible heroism and professional excellence,” he says.

He adds: “To have already surpassed last year’s total burned area while losing no infrastructure is a testament to the skill, sacrifice and sheer determination of CapeNature’s teams and their partners.”