On 4 May 2026, the world commemorates International Firefighters Day. In Cape Town, those wearing the uniform respond to thousands of incidents each year, and the demands on the service keep growing.
In the past year (1 May – 29 April), the Fire and Rescue Service responded to 30 302 incidents.
It was an increase of 454 incidents compared to the same period the year before.
Vegetation fires, motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, informal residential fires and formal residential fires account for the bulk of responses.
| May 2024 – April 2025 | May 2025 – April 2026 | |
| Vegetation fires | 12 345 | 13 020 |
| Motor vehicle accidents | 4 914 | 4 991 |
| Pedestrian accidents | 2 269 | 2 120 |
| Informal residential fires | 2 003 | 2 125 |
| Formal residential fires | 1 893 | 1 898 |
‘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.
‘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,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The proposed capital budget for the Safety and Security Directorate in the 2026/27 financial year includes R20 million for fire station upgrades, including Brooklyn, Mfuleni and Constantia, as well as R3 million in initial investment on the construction of a fire station in Langa.
INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS DAY CELEBRATION
In recent years, the Fire and Rescue Service has hosted an event that allows the public to get a closer look at the inner workings of the department.
This year is no exception – the public is invited to join in at the Wesfleur Sports Ground in Atlantis on Saturday, 9 May 2026 between 09:45 and 15:00, for a day of exhibitions, live displays, sport and games.
The stadium event will be preceded by a cavalcade through the streets of Atlantis, 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,’ added Alderman Smith.
