Western Cape Government outlines budget and readiness plans for the 2025/26 Summer Season

The Western Cape Government today launched its 2025/26 Summer Readiness Initiative, highlighting the province’s preparedness for the expected hot, dry and windy months ahead. With the fire season already underway, Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, outlined the province’s strategic investments and operational plans to protect communities, visitors, and critical natural infrastructure.

Minister Bredell confirmed that the Western Cape Government has allocated R17 million for aerial support towards wildfire management this season. This investment will ensure early activation and rapid response capacity, strengthening the province’s ability to contain fires before they escalate.

“Our focus is on faster response times, better coordination, and reducing the risk of large, high-impact fires. The R17 million earmarked for aerial support is a critical part of our strategy to protect both people and property this summer,” said Minister Bredell.

Minister Bredell announced that the province will contribute R408 000 each to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and Lifesaving Western Cape. This support aims to reduce drownings over the busy tourist season and strengthen water-safety efforts across the province’s coastline and inland water bodies.

Data from the 2024/25 season showed that 11 149 veld and wildland fires were recorded across the Western Cape. CapeNature reported 97 fires, affecting more than 75 000 hectares, with their fire suppression costs exceeding R20 million. Despite extensive fire activity, there were no fatalities or serious injuries recorded by any of the firefighting stakeholders, demonstrating improved training, coordination and investment in resources.

Minister Bredell emphasised that large, fast-spreading fires were responsible for the majority of damage last season. Effective detection, prevention, and rapid deployment will therefore remain central pillars of the province’s 2025/26 readiness plans.

The Western Cape Government and its partners will focus on the following aspects for this fire season:

• Deployment of province-funded aerial resources to high-risk incidents.
• Continued investment in training, equipment and operational readiness across local firefighting services.
• Even greater emphasis on prevention, which will include encouraging landowners to undertake prescribed burns, clear invasive vegetation, and maintain firebreaks, particularly in mountain catchments and wildland-urban interface areas.
• Scaling up behavioural-change campaigns to address human-caused ignitions, which remain the leading cause of wildfires.

The Minister noted that 2025 has already seen significant fire activity across all districts. Forecasts provided by the South African Weather Services indicate a dry summer with above-average temperatures for the remained of this season in the Western Cape. This, combined with high fuel loads, creates conditions likely to increase the frequency and severity of fires.

Minister Bredell paid tribute to all firefighting and rescue personnel who will be on the frontlines this season. “Your dedication keeps this province safe. We see your sacrifices, and we are deeply grateful.”

Media Enquiries
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Tel: 021 483 2820
Cell: 079 694 3085
Email: Wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za